Customer Reviews

Access 97 for Windows For Dummies

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

This book aims directly at folks who have never used Access (or any other database software) before. For its targeted audience, this book is a fun read (even if the jokes are a little weak, it beats the monotonous tone of the books aimed at the veteran users). It gives a fine introduction to a complex topic and presents a broad view of many of Access' features. But it doesn't go into depth on any of them. The critical reviews I've seen here seem to come from people who thought this was a reference book. Far from it! This is strictly a tutorial. When the reader is through with this, they won't be intimidated by the book they'll purchase next if they need to do anything challenging with the software. Power users can skip this one. You newbies, jump in! (P.S. I teach MS Access to CPAs and use this for the class text. I have read a dozen books on the subject and could have chosen any of them.)

The beginning of the book was informative and helpful. It defines the way data should be characterized and input (but NOT in-depth). I would not recommend this book for anyone who is trying to utilize Access for more than creating phonebooks and other simple databases. I should have read more of the other reviews before spending my money. The author used to many jokes to try and make the book seem less dull. But what do you expect, it is a learning gude for Databases! I would rather have had the book boring and dull with information i could use, than jokes and information that does not help accomplish my goal. This book DID NOT effectively help in trying to create databases in a professional environment.

Compared to the other Dummies books, this one was virtually worthless. It is too thin in content and not worth purchasing. I bought it, but it couldn't tell me anything useful. Very thin on information and examples for me to get some work done. Upon recommendation, I immediately purchased Access 97 Bible by Gary Prague. Much more detailed, also easy to understand, more useful, good examples. Access 97 for Dummies is so UNDETAILED that it wasn't useful to work with. Too many jokes, not enough content. Definitely go with Access 97 Bible. Very good stuff, and my database right now is looking great.

After 15 yrs overseas doing nothing but playing computer games & writing letters, I found myself needing a datebase program. So I bought Access 97 & several books later & frustrated by several problems I became intrigued by the lousy write-up someone else gave this book. Kaufeld solved them easily + a little humour. Easy to read & follow the instruction. I'm up and running easily on the basic operations with no/zero experience. Thank you, Mr. Kaufeld.

Windows Access 97 for dummies, if you paid money for it your the dummy. I recommend Microsoft press Access 97 and Access 97/VBA. They're much easier to follow.

This book is almost impossible to read. 75% of it is VERY BAD JOKES. Not only are they not in the least bit funny, but completely distracting from your task. I wish I paid more attention to the previous few reviews before I went out and bought this. Doesn't IDG have editors? Who let this thing get passed? And how much did they pay Amazon to wind up so highly ranked? I'm sure they won't print that. I'm really angry I wasted my money on this book.

Well ok, I admit that I didn't have an easy time with this dummy book compared to others. But database is something very new to me so I know I had to spend more time reading the book. I don't think there's an easier way of learning Access 97, all the other books seems to technical to me (needs knowledge in dbase, etc) while this book assumes you don't know nothing yet about database. The author catches the reader's attention by being funny every now and then. This isn't like other dummy books--you need at least to be a high school graduate to understand this one. :)

Seeing that you can get a used copy of this book for as little as $3.20 I would say that it is definitely worth that. It is a beginner book, but I still found it to be useful. I have been programming for several years and a friend wanted me to take at this book. There were several things the book explained very well and helped me to better understand even after using Access for years. It brings lots of things down to layman terms. If you are not wanting to be a power user, it is probably a decent book to purchase.

The other dummies books I have read have been much more informative than this one. I was brand spanking new to access and it helped a little, but as soon as I needed to really do things with any power to them, the book stopped short. It is a brief intro into a wide variety of topics, it barely scratches the surface, I admit I am disappointed. Maybe not a bad place to start if you can pick it up fropm a used book store, and definitely don't plan on it being the only book you use for access, no matter how basic your work with access is.

Disappointing book. I bought it and tried to follow it but it "jumped around" too much; the jokes or humor are unnecessary. It is frustrating at times when you trying to learn something new and concentrating and then you discover the passage you just read was a joke! I need some structure to learn and need to know why we are doing something not just "this is what you do and that's it". I'm currently looking for another book since this one was not helpful.