1. Overview of Microsoft Access

2. Contents of an Access file Tables Forms Queries Reports Pages Macros Modules

3. Every Access database must have one or more tables, since these are the fundamental components of any relational database. Forms provide a convenient and more user-friendly way to enter and display the data in tables.

4. Queries provide ways to retrieve information from the database. (There are other types of queries that are used to systematically modify portions of the database.) A report is used to present data retrieved by a query in attractive fashion on the printed page.

5. A page is an HTML document that is designed to be posted to a Web server. A macro is a user-created sequence of commands designed to automate certain repetitive tasks. A module consists of one or more VBA programs designed to provide customized features.

6. For this course we focus solely on Access Tables Forms Queries Reports

7. If we open an existing Access database (.mdb file), we typically get the following Database Window. In this window there are buttons allowing us to select whether we want to work with the tables, queries, forms, etc. in that database.

9. To see a list of all the objects (tables, queries, etc.) in the database, do File => Database Properties and select the Contents tab:

11. To create a new database You can do a File=>New Database… (or click the New icon on the toolbar) and either choose the ‘General’ tab and the ‘Project (New Database)’ icon:

13. Or choose the ‘Database’ tab and have the system use one of its already designed database schemas: (Remember that a database schema just means a database design, i.e., a database without any actual records in it.)

15. If one of these is close to matching what you need, it might be simpler to tailor it to your specific application. Otherwise, choose ‘Blank Database’ or if you already have one, choose it from the set presented to you:

17. If you choose to create a new database, the following window will pop up so that you can name your new database:

18. You can create a new folder by clicking on this icon.