Microsoft Access^®:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

Microsoft Access is a powerful visual tool with which to design and develop enterprise-wide applications. This course provides an in-depth view of the features and functionality of Access. You learn to design robust database applications, apply Form, Table, Report and Query wizards to quickly build database solutions, create and integrate macros to increase the User Experience (UX), implement advanced reporting features and link to SharePoint or SQL Server data systems.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course benefits systems analysts, developers, Excel power users, managers and programmers who wish to develop database applications for Windows. Microsoft Access can help with:

• Rapid development of new database applications
• Building a Windows front-end to share data
• Creating database applications in a visual design environment
• Redesigning an existing database application to be more intuitive and user friendly
• Handling data solutions that have outgrown Excel
• Linking a database application with other Microsoft Office products

What background knowledge do I need?

No prior database experience is necessary; however, you should be familiar with the Windows graphical environment. Some background in database and query design is helpful but not required.

What version of Access is used in the course? What if I use a previous version?

This course is based on Access 2010. If you are using Access 2007, all of the concepts you learn in this course are applicable. There are some differences between Office 2010 and Office 2007, and we will point out those differences. If you are using Office 2003, the concepts are basically the same, but the interface is radically different. Specifically, Office 2010 and 2007 employ the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar (QAT) interface, whereas all versions 2003 and earlier use the menu and toolbar as the primary interface. The report creation process was rewritten in Access 2007 and the macro creation interface was completely redesigned between Access 2007 and Access 2010.

I've heard Microsoft Access can work as a front-end to SQL Server, SharePoint and other external data. Does this course cover that feature?

Yes, you learn to link to and import from SQL Server tables and the ins and outs of using an Access table in SharePoint. You also learn to import data from Excel, text files and other Access databases.

Will I learn how to automate tasks within Access?

Yes! You learn to leverage the power of macros to automate the following tasks: opening tables, opening and closing forms, and opening reports in print preview mode. These tasks can be created quickly using standard Windows drag and drop techniques.

I have pushed Excel to its limits. Is this course appropriate for me?

Yes! Microsoft Access is the natural progression beyond the limitations of Excel. This course enables you to analyze, manipulate and track data. You also generate complex reports with grouping and sorting.

Does this course cover programming in Access?

No, this course covers building a database foundation for fully functional Access applications. Please see Course 971, Building Applications with Microsoft Access^®: Hands-On, for Access programming with complex macros and VBA.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are done in the course?

Approximately 60 percent of course time is spent on hands-on exercises. In this course, you build a Microsoft Access database, establish indexes and data relationships, and use several methods of importing data into the database. You link data among Access tables and with other programs, use Form and Query wizards, and integrate pictures within your database. You also gain extensive practice using macros for rapid application development and for generating several different kinds of preformatted and custom reports.

How does this course relate to other courses?

The following Learning Tree courses may also be of interest:

• 971, Building Applications with Microsoft Access®: Hands-On 
• 382, Relational Database Design, Tools and Techniques: Hands-On 
• 315, Developing User Requirements: The Key to Project Success 
• 209, VBA Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 1361, Microsoft Excel®: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction