Anyone can rattle off features and tell you which buttons to click. We go way beyond that — by explaining when and why to use features, how to solve problems, and how to customize Access for the way you work. We'll show you how AND why to use dozens of Access tools — to expand value, save time, simplify tasks, and produce more valuable information.
Microsoft Access — Seminar Overview
Day 1
Day 2
Day 1
Understanding the "Big Picture": Designing the Database
Have you ever been frustrated by a database that's poorly organized … or realized, too late, that key information was omitted … or had to dig through mountains of irrelevant information to get to what you needed? Knowing how to plan and organize a complete database structure from its inception is the key to avoiding these common problems. In this session, you'll learn how to design and plan an Access database that makes your data simple to collect, input, view, and retrieve.
- A careful look at database structure — before you make the first keystroke
- How to "fix" an existing database that's poorly designed … without losing
your original data
- An Access "map"! Learn exactly what's behind every icon, bar, button, and switch
on the Access desktop
- Instant database! Use the Wizards to create and modify a database … in minutes
- Time Saver! The little-used Access feature that gives your database professional-level formatting … automatically
Laying the Foundation: Creating Tables
They're the building blocks of your Access database … multiple tables are the unseen structural blocks that build impressive databases. Learn how to design and create tables that are easy to use and understand, and discover tips, tricks, and terminology that take the mystery out of creating and using tables.
- Facts on fields: guidelines on field types, and how to choose the right one
- How to "build in" table features that will save you hours of input time later
- A "hands-on" experiment with 5 key field properties … you'll instantly see how they work!
- Table time-savers: Create ready-to-use tables with the Wizard
- A "checkpoint" you can set in the field level that minimizes input mistakes
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Getting the Data Back Out: Filtering Features
The real power of your database is not its ability to organize information … it's the power you have to selectively retrieve it! Learn the basics (and the slick tricks) of how to filter and sort your data, and uncover the answers you're looking for — faster than you ever thought possible.
- When you need simple answers quickly: how to perform a fast temporary filter
- A clever way to "save" frequently used filters
- More complex filters: use "AND" and "OR" conditions, without the confusion!
- How to refine and sort the results … at the same time you perform the initial filter
- Filter versus Query: how they're different, and when to use each
Retrieving Data, Your Way: Conquering Queries
Learn how Queries enable you to harness the power of your database on a daily basis and make it work like magic! You'll learn how to write and save Queries that put critical information in your hands … quickly, easily, and effortlessly.
- Exactly what Queries are … and how they can save you hours of "busywork"
- How to design a Query once … and recall it again and again, whenever you need it
- When you're writing more complex Queries: 2 time-saving tools that will have you off and running!
- Syntax secrets: Learn how to easily read Query syntax!
- Expert Query tricks! How to recover accidentally deleted data, consolidate dozens of Queries into one, move data from one table to another, and more!
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Day 2
Producing Functional Forms
Just think of the massive amount of time it takes to collect and input data … and you begin to realize how well-designed forms can save you precious hours and prevent needless hassle. You'll learn the secrets to creating and using the powerful Access forms tools that make adding to your database simple and headache-free!
- Looks good! How to format a form for maximum ease of use and readability
- Don't avoid subforms! Why they're powerful, and how you can take advantage of them
- The fastest ways to create and customize forms … usable almost instantly!
- Autoform and Wizards: Let them take the labor out of forms creation
- How to modify any existing form to suit your exact needs
Achieving Superior Output from Access: Creating Reports
Great reports are your chance to really shine! Learn how to get the data in the format you need — on paper — where you can use it to make better decisions, strategize, improve service … you name it! You'll learn, step by step, how to output information from your database in reports that are easy to generate, read, and use.
- 3 methods for generating reports … and how to choose the right one
- How to make a report from scratch — totally customized!
- Tips for "touching up" automatically generated reports for speedy "semi-customized" output
- How to transfer and use your reports in other applications, such as Microsoft Word
- Ways to look great! Use design tools to create attractive, professional reports!
Mastering Access Macros
Macros are incredible tools to get Access to do your work for you … with just a single click, or even automatically! You'll learn how to write macros to perform the repetitive, tedious tasks that eat up your time and energy.
- What macros are … and where you can use them to "automate" repetitive tasks
- Critical decisions you must make before attempting to design any macro
- An easy tool that makes macros even more powerful … and is unknown to most Access users!
- How to create and run macros: you may have more options than you think!
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Creating and Using Templates
As the world goes online, there's a good chance your data will need to as well. You'll learn how to build long-lasting, flexible templates — and you don't have to be a "guru" to do it!
- How the template process works … in plain English!
- Full-Scale Templates: Avoid having to re-create the same databases
- Templates for individual fields, tables, and just about anything else you can think of!
- How to attach photos, documents, and everything else without bloating your database
- Track modifications to your Memo fields — automatically!
Creating the Dynamic Database
The ability to link, share, import, and export data gives you the ultimate in flexibility, ease of use, and sheer power! You'll learn how to use your database in a more fluid way, without the traps and mistakes that frustrate many users.
- How to avoid the bottleneck that forces you — or others — to "re-create" the
same data
- The "tie" to other applications: exactly where you can import/export data
- How to ensure your data stays safe through countless import/export transactions
- When it's better to avoid import/export and simply "link" data
- Spreadsheet or database? You can do both simultaneously — learn how, step by step
- "Splitting" a database: how it can cure problems caused by multiple users or extra-large databases
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