1. A method for managing a database containing at least one entity on a pen-based computer system comprising: determining an initial filter type from a plurality of filter types; filtering the entities of said database to locate entities that satisfy said determined filter type; displaying a card area on a screen of a pen-based computer system which depicts selected structured information concerning the entities that satisfy said determined filter type; and, displaying a free-form area on said screen depicting unstructured information concerning the entities.