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, using Wizards to create new files and update previous versions of Access files.
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
A look at the exciting World Wide Web technology now available in Access
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 menus and toolbars
The 4 best Wizards in Access and how to use them to work faster
Creating tables—the foundation 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 ins and outs of working in Design View to change the structure or design of your table but not 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
Access´s quick and easy methods for sorting data into tables, queries and forms
When you need to change data ... tips for quickly finding and replacing it
How to use the powerful Filter tool to do a search of your database
How to switch data back and forth between Access and Excel and between Access and Word
Importing data from other sources like SQL Server and DBase
How to create relationships between tables so you can link them together later
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. And you´ll 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
A step-by-step guide to creating a query
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
Great tips for executing queries more efficiently
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 to format data in a special way or automate how data is used and updated
How to modify and edit forms to improve their appearance
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? Learn to create
Time-saving secrets for creating and using forms
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 can 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.
How to create your own reports—the best way to print a copy of information retrieved or data calculated in your database
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 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 queries or outside 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.
Macros ... explained in plain English
How to create a macro so 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
When to use a macro and when to use Visual Basic® for Applications
Quick-result troubleshooting tips when your module acts up
Integrating Microsoft® Access with SQL Server
You can gain added security and ODBC compliance by using SQL Server on your network. In this session, you´ll gain the knowledge you need to utilize Access and SQL in combination and powerful techniques for using SQL Server in an Access environment.
Taking the mystery out of SQL ... what it is and what the advantages of using it are
How to create advanced SQL queries when the task you want to perform is complex
How to get everything perfect in an SQL Statement—including characters and punctuation—so you implement the query correctly
What ODBC drivers are and how to use them to import and export data in other databases, spreadsheets or text files
Protecting your database
The security of your data must be a top priority. This session goes beyond simple tricks and techniques for securing your database. You´ll gain an in-depth understanding of and step-by-step guidelines for keeping your information protected.
Implementing Access´s built-in security features for preventing unauthorized access to your database.
How to hide objects in your database as an extra measure of security
If there is a large number of users ... how to set up workgroups to restrict access
Encryption tools that are like putting valuable information under lock and key
How to duplicate your database so you have a copy for your laptop, for a remote user and as a backup
An easy way to manage and view duplicate copies—even if they´re at multiple remote locations
Sharing your database worldwide
Microsoft Access makes it easy to share information across your workgroup or the world when using the Internet or your local intranet. This session will guide you step by step through the process of Internet publishing so you can publish and receive data via a Web page.
Going on-line? You don´t have to leave Access!
A step-by-step guide to publishing your data on an intranet or the Internet
How to use Hyperlinks to link to Internet sites, office documents—almost anything!
Want data entered at a Web site to go directly to your table? With Access, it´s no problem