DISCOVERING THE SECRETS OF MICROSOFT® ACCESS®

In this seminar you'll learn...

How to build your own custom database solutions

How to connect to a variety of external data sources and generate professional-looking reports

Streamlined methods for sorting data into tables, queries and forms

Access´s dozens of built-in functions for calculating totals and for numbering and counting records

And much more

Jump into the exciting world of Microsoft Access in this two-day, hands-on workshop and find out how simple building a database can be! Here you«ll gain a thorough understanding of what makes Access tick as you master the basics of tables, queries, forms and reports and delve into custom features for solving your most complex information challenges.

WORKSHOP AGENDA E-mail this Page

Day one: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Getting started

Access is one of today´s premier database software packages—and in this session, you´ll get acquainted with the power of a relational database and the many ways it can streamline information management in business. You´ll quickly get up to speed with Access´s many exciting features, then you´ll move right into creating your first Access database. You´ll quickly get up to date on all the newest features Access has to offer.

What a database is and how it can make information management a whole lot easier

Should you use a database or a spreadsheet? Here´s what to consider

3 great reasons to use a relational database—like Access—rather than a flat database file

How to plan your database correctly so you don´t have to build it over again later

A step-by-step guide to using Access´s user-friendly ribbons

Creating tables—laying the groundwork of your database

If you´re going to build a solid database structure that performs the way you want it to, it must be based on well-planned tables. In this session, you´ll learn why tables are the critical foundation of a relational database system. The step-by-step help in creating a table that you´ll receive here will give you a huge boost of confidence and set you straight on the path to success.

The in´s and out´s of working in Design View to change the structure or design of your table without changing the data

How to create a table from scratch to house your data

How to define a Primary Key to help retrieve your data more quickly

How to enter new data into your table

How to use the powerful Filter tool to view a subset of records without needing to create a query

Using queries to enter and retrieve data

Queries are the workhorse of your database. They make it easy to retrieve information from your database once you´ve entered it. In this session, you´ll learn how to create and maximize queries and how to use the different types of queries. You´ll also learn how to use queries to easily manage data from several sources and as the source for forms and reports.

What a query is and when to use it

How to open, save, copy, rename and delete queries

How to run a Select Query—it will become your best friend!

Valuable sorting techniques for organizing the records you´ve retrieved

How to run a Crosstab Query to see calculated totals in a spreadsheet-like format

How to create and run an Update Query to modify data in multiple records quickly and easily

Creating forms to simplify data entry

Entering and maintaining data in a table isn´t the only way to manage information. Sometimes you´ll want to create a professional-looking form complete with borders and graphics. In this session, you´ll master the Form function in Access. And you´ll learn how to create custom forms and dialog boxes that make data entry a snap.

Understanding the basics of forms

How to create forms that format data in a special way or automate how data is used and updated

Adding graphics—from many sources—to enhance your forms

Do you want to show data from several tables and update data in more than one table? Create a subform

Discover Access´s Expression Builder and create your own calculations ... with the click of a few buttons

Day two: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Presenting organized information with reports

When you want to print information with calculations, graphics or a customized header or footer, you´ll want to create a report. This session provides in-depth instruction on how to create a report from several different data sources and how to modify and update it as your needs change.

Need to modify a report? Go to Design View and follow these simple steps

How to use the Sort and Group window to organize information in a neat, easy-to-read display

Exploring Access´s dozens of built-in functions for calculating totals and for numbering and counting records

An easy-to-implement tool that enables you to select names and addresses and print them to labels

Advanced report techniques: How to make a report from a variety of different data sources

Automating complex tasks using macros and modules

There will be some tasks you´ll perform over and over—learn how to create macros that make these tasks as simple as a few mouse clicks. And you´ll gain an understanding of modules—when to use them and how they can increase your productivity ... even if you´re a beginner. You´ll also learn how to use the new SingleStep macro action to monitor how macros are working at any step during the process.

Macros ... explained in plain English

How to create a macro so that you can perform a series of commands at the push of a button

Need to modify a macro? These tips will bolster your confidence

When your macro acts up ... debugging and troubleshooting techniques that´ll get you up and running

For the advanced user ... understanding modules and their unique role in solving unusual or difficult programming problems

Quick-result troubleshooting tips

Mastering external data sources

In this session, you´ll learn everything you need to know about importing, linking and exporting to a variety of supported databases, programs and file formats. You´ll quickly learn new ways to share data and collaborate with others. You´ll also discover the secret to using a table or query as a mail-merge data source.

Understanding the difference between linking and embedding

Importing data from other sources to a new table in Access®

How to link to a table in another database

How to export PDFs and XPSs to share data and collaborate

How to use ODBC drivers to connect to virtually any data source such as SQL servers, mainframe database systems and more

Using the right tools for the right job—the Database Tools tab

At first glance, the Database Tools tab appears to be a catchall, but understanding how to use what´s offered—such as establishing relationships ... the Switchboard Manager ... encryption using passwords ... improving performance and reducing corruption—can be a tremendous advantage. In this session, you´ll gain an in-depth understanding of how to benefit by using the improved and expanded database tools.

Understanding why it´s important to secure your database and the tools that can help you do it

How to use the Performance Analyzer to analyze the performance of all your database objects

A step-by-step guide to using the Upsizing Wizard—upsizing an Access database to an SQL Server® database

How to create and edit a Switchboard to help end users locate the reports they use the most

Do you want to improve performance and reduce the chance of corruption to your database? Learn how to split a database

What´s important to know about replication options

How to use the Database Documenter

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