Best Way To Learn Access

[N1ka18]

Hi, I am new to access, Can anyone Tell what is the best way to study access. I have found many books online, but it hard to make a choice. My current position is of an analyst, and I really require knowledge of databases, as well as having the ability to make a good report. If anyone knows some kind of video lesson it would be even better. Thanks in advance.

 

[xenou]

Hi,

I think it is best to first read a book on "Database Design". From this you learn the fundamentals of database theory and design - data types, table structure, relationships, keys, indexes, data types, and query design. Then you can learn "Access" specific topics such as how to create forms and reports and how to use Access most effectively.

So books that seem good to me in database design are:
Database Design for Mere Mortals By Michael Hernandez
SQL Queries For Mere Mortals By Michael Hernandez
Relational Database Design Clearly Explained by Jan Harrington (oldie but good - straightforward)
Learning SQL by Alan Beaulieu (one of many good books aimed specifically at SQL)

Or try to find anything that looks like a college textbook for a class on database theory and design.


Access specific (these two books will tell you just about everything you really need to know, but I suppose I am out of date as there are new features in Access 2010 and 2013 that won't be covered):
Microsoft Office Access 2007 Forms, Reports, and Queries by Paul McFedries
Automating Microsoft Access with VBA by Mike Gunderloy and Susan Harkins


It is worth taking a class if you can do so - at your local college or community college. I prefer the structured design of a book, which takes you through what you need to know in an organized way. You could waste a lot of time trying to to do this over the web, though there are some good tutorials I'm not sure if they would have enough depth. So, in other words, I don't have any recommendations for videos.

Unfortunately, the actual first book I read I cannot find, cannot remember the title of, and is, in any case, almost certainly out of print. I wish I could remember and/or find it again as it was an excellent intro at just the right level of explanation. {sigh}

ξ

 

[N1ka18]

Thanks for the reply, I find It very useful. I looked trough Microsoft Office Access 2007 Forms, Reports, and Queries by Paul McFedries,and I think I will start with it. Also, I will reading Database Desig, because it just looks interesting. I was reading Access Bible, but It is good to look in when you want something specific. Anyway, thanks for advice.

 

[alansidman]

Two quick tutorials that I like to recommend that can be found on the internet and are a nice start:

http://sbuweb.tcu.edu/bjones/20263/Access/AC101_FundamentalsDB_Design.pdf

Access Basics

 

[rs2k]

If you don't mind spending a bit of money (Very reasonable I'd say) then Lynda.com is a good starting point, they have over 50 courses on databases alone, plus several thousand on different topics. I myself, struggle with reading books trying to visualise what the authors are saying and I learn much quicker with watching video tutorials. Monkey see - monkey do, as they say.

HTH
Colin