This tutorial and reference begins with a discussion of database principles, and proceeds to acquaint the reader with the basic features and functionality of Access, including NWIND, a small example database that ships with the product. The book then covers the main areas that a user will need to master to live a data-rich life: designing the database; working with the data (finding, sorting, querying); designing, building and using forms; and building and presenting reports. The last third of the book enters more advanced territory, teaching how to create a simple application, discussing network-related issues, and introducing Access' programming language. Throughout, the book not only covers Access' features, but also teaches the principles of managing data, and provides common-sense explanations of how a relational database works. This approach reaches its culmination in an appendix that shows several basic "database schemas" - that is, blueprints for the fundamental ways in which different types of data relate, and thus blueprints for designing one's databases.
John L. Viescas provides database consulting for a variety of small to large businesses and corporations worldwide. He is the author of numerous books, including Running Microsoft Access 97, Running Microsoft Access 2000, Microsoft Office Access 2003 Inside Out, and Building Microsoft Access Applications (Microsoft Press). He is also the co-author of SQL Queries for Mere Mortals (Addison-Wesley). He has written numerous articles for technical publications and has lectured at conferences and user group meetings around the world. He has been recognized as a "Most Valuable Professional" every year since 1993 by Microsoft Product Support Services for his assistance on public support forums.
