Launching
Microsoft Access
Microsoft
Access is part of the Microsoft Office software suite, which also
includes a word processor (Word), spreadsheet software (Excel),
presentation software (PowerPoint) and other facilities. It has
many features, including graphical display of data, spell-checker,
wizards and a macro language for programming. There is also an
'Office Assistant' to help you if your are stuck.
You
can either start Access by going to Start, Programs, Microsoft
Access or click on the Access icon on the Office Program Bar.
A database box will appear as illustrated below:
You
are then given the choice of using:
Database
Wizard. This takes you through the stages of asking you which
of 22 tailor-made databases you would like to use. This makes
designing a database very straightforward but limits you to the
style and choice offered. Or you can choose...
Blank
Database. This allows you to design your own database from
scratch.
Opening
an Existing File
When you open an Access database file the box illustrated below
will appear.
There
are a series of tabs along the top, each covering a different
function:
- use
the Tables tab to store data
- use
the Queries tab to answer questions
- use
the Forms tab to view and edit data.
- use
the Reports tab to print or view data
- use
the Macros tab to automate tasks
- use
the Modules tab to program in Access basic
Opening
a Database
The sample Houses database has many of the possible fields and
records that a typical Estate Agent's office would have on file
- eg. areas, central heating types, house types and vendors. These
smaller tables provide a full name referring to a code, eg. 'G'
for Gas central heating. These minor tables are often referred
to as 'lookup' tables.
Opening
a Table
Double-click on the Property table icon (or select the Property
table and click on the Open button) to open it and a window tabular
display of a set of records appears:
 Contents:
Databases
Skill
Check: Databases
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