Access basics: free tutorial

Access Basics (Feb 20, 2008)
By Crystal

The accuracy and thoroughness of this document would not have been possible without lots of help. In addition to those listed in the introductory comments, I wish to give a BIG thank you to my fellow Microsoft MVP, Tom Wickerath.
Tom, your never-ending patience, great technical knowledge, and true friendship are blessings in my life ... words cannot express my gratitude ...

I also wish to give a special thanks to Allen Browne for hosting this document on his fantastic website that has brightened many a dark corner.

In the 15 or so years that I have been using and teaching Access, this document is the result of what I feel is most important to know. Check back every now and then to see if a new version has been posted.

For those of you who are new to this information, don't be discouraged if there are things that don't make sense.
Nothing with the power of Access is easy, so just take one step at a time ... you will get there
      Each time you read this document, you will learn something new. If you have taken classes in Access, you will find that this document probably goes well beyond what you have been taught. No time is wasted, and no extra words are used. These 100 pages are packed with information and, since "a picture is worth 1,000 words", there are also lots of screen shots.

above all, enjoy!
      Print out a chapter of Access Basics
      get a highlighter and a pencil,
      make some coffee or tea,
      get cozy in your favorite chair
      ... and open your mind ...

Summary of Contents for Access Basics
   (click on the Chapter you want to read)

• Table of Contents and List of Figures (PDF 60KB)
  Each chapter and section title is summarized in the Table of Contents, along with its page number. Every figure is numbered and is in the List of Figures

1. Types of Applications (PDF 50KB)
   What are the principal applications for computers? Put Access into perspective with other applications.
2. Database Objects (PDF 1.2MB)
   Learn about the basic Access objects: Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports, Macros, and Modules
   Also explains Properties and Methods, VBA, and Reference Libraries
3. Normalizing Data (PDF 90kb)
   Now that you understand what a table is ... how do you design them? Just be simple ... but the simple way is not often easy to see! Tips to get you looking at your data from a different angle.
4. Relationships, Referential Integrity, Indexes (PDF 140kb)
   How does all the various information relate? What can you do to while you are designing your database to get an overall view?
5. Form and Report Design (PDF 480kb)
   Now that the basic structure is in place, how do you make it easy for the users to enter data? How do you create reports?
6. SQL Syntax (PDF 110kb)
   What is SQL? Structured Query Language. Is it hard to learn? ... No!
7. Delimiters (PDF 50kb)
   How is text information distinguished from numbers or dates? How do you indicate a field in a table or a control on a form?
8. Where to Get More Help (PDF 50kb)
   Are there places on the Internet where you can ask questions and folks will help? Yes
   Are there good books for learning Access? Yes
   Are there web pages you can go to for valuable information? Yes
   Are there sites devoted to Access 2007? Yes
    
   

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All these questions and more will be answered and explained ...