Beginner advice for Access

[MrKowz]

Hey all,

I might be very experienced in Excel, however my Access knowledge is very very low. Does anyone know of some websites that can teach me the basics of creating databases and forms to serve as a point of entry for information?

 

[Joe4]

Here are two sites which have good tutorials that I see referred to a lot:
http://www.datapigtechnologies.com/AccessMain.htm
http://www.blueclaw-db.com/

I would strongly recommend though first learning about Relational Databases and Rules of Data Normalization. Understanding those concepts are crucial to developing good databases.

 

[MrKowz]

Thanks, Joe. I'll be mulling over those for the rest of the day. Since I've revamped the pension analyzation here at the office, they have decided to have me design a point of entry for keeping a database of checks issued.

 

[Joe4]

Your welcome.
Here is a link on Relational Databases and Database Normalization:
http://www.deeptraining.com/litwin/dbdesign/FundamentalsOfRelationalDatabaseDesign.aspx

Personally, after learning these concepts, I would recommend getting a good introductory Access book and working through that. I got the Microsoft Step-by-Step series, and while it is not the best one out there on the market, it got the job done.

The learning curve for Access is a bit steeper than Excel, and concepts really build on top of each other, which is why I recommend using this approach.

I tried jumping right into Access with my first project some years ago without learning these concepts and programmed myself into a corner. After three months of spinning my wheels, I started over from the beginning learning those concepts, and had to re-do the whole thing. It turned out great in the end, but I wasted three months trying to do it before I understood these important concepts of database design.

 

[HiTechCoach]

Hey all,

I might be very experienced in Excel, however my Access knowledge is very very low. Does anyone know of some websites that can teach me the basics of creating databases and forms to serve as a point of entry for information?

Welcome to the world of database programming.


Spreadsheets (Excel) and database programming (Access) are two totally different worlds. Very little from what you know in Excel will help you in Access.


The key to a good database is a good foundation in the table design. This comes from understanding and following the rules of data normalization. This applies to all Relational databases including Access and SQL Servers.

The one single site where I have leased more about Access than almost all the other sites combined together is UtterAccess.com. I spent a lot of time looking though ever example in the Access Code Archive forum at Utter Access.

Utter Access has been developing a Wiki on Access. A lot of Microsoft Access MVPs and other very talented Access gurus have been contributing.

Here is a great place to start: Utter Access Wiki Links page

PS: From what I have learned at Utter Access and from all the posts (16,788 posts - average 6.21 per day) answering questions I have been recognized by Microsoft as a Microsoft MVP for Access.

 

[Joe4]

PS: From what I have learned at Utter Access and from all the posts (16,788 posts - average 6.21 per day) answering questions I have been recognized by Microsoft as a Microsoft MVP for Access.

I am not a MS MVP for Access, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

 

[MrKowz]

Welcome to the world of database programming.


Spreadsheets (Excel) and database programming (Access) are two totally different worlds. Very little from what you know in Excel will help you in Access.


The key to a good database is a good foundation in the table design. This comes from understanding and following the rules of data normalization. This applies to all Relational databases including Access and SQL Servers.

The one single site where I have leased more about Access than almost all the other sites combined together is UtterAccess.com. I spent a lot of time looking though ever example in the Access Code Archive forum at Utter Access.

Utter Access has been developing a Wiki on Access. A lot of Microsoft Access MVPs and other very talented Access gurus have been contributing.

Here is a great place to start: Utter Access Wiki Links page

PS: From what I have learned at Utter Access and from all the posts (16,788 posts - average 6.21 per day) answering questions I have been recognized by Microsoft as a Microsoft MVP for Access.

Thanks! I'll definitely ready up on there.

Here is a link on Relational Databases and Database Normalization:
http://www.deeptraining.com/litwin/d...aseDesign.aspx

Just got done reading that article. GREAT information in there! The whole description on Normalization made perfect sense (and I'm sure it will come in handy with this project).