Microsoft Access is a powerful data-management tool that allows you to input, store, and report data in an attractive and efficient way. Although Access has templates and “wizards” to help you easily set up a database that can suit simple purposes, it can also run extremely advanced functions. This handout is intended to introduce new users to the basic functions of Access.

What is a database? Before we start on the construction of a practice database, we should review the basic concepts of database design. It is important to thoroughly plan your database before you begin its construction to guarantee that your database will work correctly.

Concepts and Terms
Access allows you to create a database of information in which data values are stored in fields. A collection of fields makes a record, and a group of records makes a table.
- A database is a collection of related data that is stored in one or more tables.
- A table is a collection of related information stored in rows and columns. The power of Access is that it allows you to link data together even if it resides in separate tables.
- A field is a column of a table that contains a category of information.
- A record is all of the fields for one particular object – such as a person’s last name, first name, and telephone number would comprise a record.
- A data value is the smallest unit of information. A key to success with Access is to store data in the smallest possible component parts.

Get pdf Getting Started with Microsoft Access 2000