One of the fundamental problems for new users of Microsoft Access is figuring out what to do after you open the program (such as, for example, building a database from scratch). Many users open up Microsoft Access, click on a few menu items, and close the program down again – never to return. You can’t blame new users for feeling this way either. Microsoft Access is a powerful database tool with loads of great features, but getting started and figuring out how to take advantage of these features can be daunting. What do these readers really want? They want an interesting example and the opportunity to practice and build their skills step-by-step. Enter Microsoft Access Workbook For Dummies. Featuring the proven problem-solution pedagogy featured in Microsoft Excel Workbook For Dummies, this book will provide readers with the practice they need to hone their skills and build their confidence while they follow along in building the Media Database.
The book will guide the users through creating the Media Database while teaching how to build tables and relationships, use select and action queries, build forms and reports, and automate with macros. The Media Database contains data pertaining to a home media collection (CDs, DVDs, Books, etc.). Using the Media Database allows a wide variety of readers to identify with the concept of a database without teaching them business fundamentals such as accounting, inventory, etc.
The reader will create tables to store different types of media as well as supporting tables required to fill dropdown lists, demonstrating relationships. They'll create queries to retrieve certain types of media and action queries to add, edit, and remove data. They'll build a user interface to add, edit, and update data and create a full application to track every aspect of their media collection. They will also track the costs of their collection with a tie in to buying and selling items on EBay. This allows the reader to create forms and reports with totals and calculated fields. The readers will also tie everything together by automating the navigation of the application through macros.
The CD included with the book would contain before and after example files for each exercise, as well as a full working application to track their media collection. Select exercises would also include video walkthroughs that demonstrates the precise steps required to perform the tasks. The combination of the sample database and video walkthroughs allow the reader a few different methods of learning Access.
