MS Access

[AlwaysUp]

I really would like to learn more about databases and database managers. Can a person learn enough by using the help menu from MS Access to get proficient in it's capabilities and applied uses?

[christo418]

imho-
Absolutely not, due to the cryptic nature of the help system (I am using Office 2000 Pro). If you are already familiar with the fundamental building blocks of database design, then you shouldn't have any problem. I suggest that you either take a class, or purchase a good tutorial book (Learn by Doing!). I just so happen to be taking a class right now that deals with Access and good database design, in general. We are using Thomson Learning Center's Course Technology book entitled Microsoft Access 2000 (ISBN 0-619-04430-6). This is an adequate primer to get somebody started, and to prepare them for more advanced relational databases. I'm not saying that a person couldn't learn this program on their own, but I am saying that it will be much more difficult if they don't understand how database objects relate to other database objects.
hth

[morriswindgate]

Great online video training in a quicktime format and free

http://training:training@training.or...tranetlist.htm

[christo418]

Good spot, morriswindgate!

[ssahl]

Access is a big, heafty, complex, powerfull program. I went to school just to learn word, excel, & access. word can be compared to a typewriter, excel to a calculator, and access to something like the stealth bomber.

[doctorgonzo]

AlwaysUp, you can learn yourself. That is exactly what I did. Get a couple good books, like the Access 2000 Developer's Handbook, and read. I went to an M$-certified "advanced" Access class after teaching myself for several months and knew more than the instructor, so I wouldn't put too much stock in classes.

Access is a powerful program. I managed to construct a 20 simultaneous user database with 100,000 customers in it working for about half a year with zero database experience, so I think it can be done.