Gettings Started Microsoft Access Tutorials

Microsoft Access or Something Else?, I don't know which to use...
I'm a web tech, but my boss asked me to build what he calls a "database" for him. So basically I need a customer database and I have NO CLUE what I'm doing... I'm just tinkering with all kinds of programs and completely lost. What program am I supposed to be using to build this database... I have microsoft access, but I couldn't figure it out. I downloaded Python and pHpMyAdmin, although now that I have, I don't know why.... Could some one please give me a sense of direction??? Just let me know what I need to use, and where I can learn to use it!

What is Database?
Before we begin delving into our Microsoft Access tutorials, we need to have a full understanding of what a database is. This site is geared towards people who are just starting out using Microsoft Access, so for some of you with a little more experience, this may seem a little dumbed down, and for that, I apologise in advance. That said, I feel that the first question we need to address is "what exactly is a database".

How to Prevent Duplicate Values
You can keep your Microsoft Access database free of confusing clutter by preventing duplicate values. These instructions are for Access 97.

How to Edit Field Rules in Access 2007
Microsoft Access is an efficient platform to collect, store, connect and relate large amounts of data. The processes to utilize this software program can seem a bit overwhelming at times. Break down each process to make completing the larger task much easier.

How to Insert Data into an Access Database
This article assumes that you have already read my article on how to create an Access database. We are going to use that database for this example. Here are the steps.

Delete/remove the switchboard
I have a switchboard but I want to remove it. How can I delete the switchboard from the database?

How to create a Database
A database is a structured collection of records or data, stored on your computers' hard drive. Setting up a database helps you to organize, display, and share your data with others. Setting up a database may seem a daunting task but with Microsoft Access setting up your DB is not as complicated as it sounds. All you need is a little practise. Here's how you set it up.

Access in an Hour
Access is a powerful, flexible, easy-to-use, database-management program. In this tutorial, you will start to tap into Access capabilities. Although the title of this tutorial, "Access in an Hour," is an overworked phrase, you really will learn quickly how to use Access. Granted, an hour won't be enough time to master the advanced features. But it will be enough time for you to learn the basics behind the program and to create your own database that you can put to immediate use.

Copy an image of a window or screen
In the past, the PRINT SCREEN key did what it says - it sent the current screen of text to your printer. Now, pressing PRINT SCREEN captures an image of your entire screen, also known as a "screen shot" or "screen capture", and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory. You can then paste (CTRL+V) the image into a document, e-mail message, or other file. If you want, you can print the image from the application that you pasted it into.

Prevent Duplicate Values
You can keep your Microsoft Access 2003 database free of confusing clutter by preventing duplicate values. For example, if you create a file where the key field is defined as the customer number field, you'll want the system to ensure that each record in the file has a unique customer number.

How to Add, Edit and Delete Database Data
You can set up databases for everything from maintaining inventory to storing recipes. Setting them up to correctly handle your data can be a frustrating experience. Here are a few tips to make it easier.

Add a new item to the switchboard
How do I add a new item to the Switchboard?

Turn Office Clipboard command options on or off
How to turn Office Clipboard command options on or off.

Use an Input Mask to Control How Data Is Entered Into a Field
Adding an input mask minimizes the likelihood that people will omit information or enter the wrong data by mistake. For example, you could create an input mask that would only permit the number and type of characters that are found in a telephone number. These instructions are for MS Access 97.

Change file properties
You can change document properties from the currently open document or from the list in the Open dialog box:

Startup options
You can use startup options to control how a Microsoft Access file looks and behaves when it opens. The startup options apply only to the current Access file. The startup properties don't override the property settings for a specific toolbar, menu bar, shortcut menu, form, or report. For example, the Menu Bar and Shortcut Menu Bar options in the Startup dialog box don't override the property settings for specific forms or reports that have a custom menu bar or shortcut menu. Thus, when you open a form or report, Microsoft Access displays the custom menu bar attached to the form or report instead of the global menu bar specified in the Startup dialog box. You can also create an AutoExec macro to carry out an action whenever an Access file opens. You can use the Startup dialog box instead of or in addition to an AutoExec macro. An AutoExec macro runs after the startup options have taken effect; therefore, you should avoid any actions in an AutoExec macro that change the effect of the startup option settings. For example, if you specify a form in the Display Form/Page box in the Startup dialog box, and you also use the OpenForm action in an AutoExec macro, Microsoft Access first displays the form specified in the Startup dialog box, then immediately displays the form specified in the OpenForm action.

Save time by using ready-made templates
Has your boss just asked you to create a business form - such as an invoice - before lunch? Or perhaps you need to write a complaint letter, but don't have the time? Or maybe you need to create a newsletter for your organization, but you're dreading it because you've never had to create anything with a complicated layout before?

Create a Field for Currency
A currency field is needed when a price is desired in a record. When using currency fields, Access 2003 is able to calculate totals, subtotals and averages.

Before Creating Tables
Database is composed of tables besides other stuff and each table is composed of horizontal rows called records and vertical columns called fields. Each field has been assigned a data type.

Move or copy information between programs
You can move or copy information, or you can create a linked object, a shortcut, or a Hyperlink between documents in different programs by using drag-and-drop editing. Both programs must support OLE.