The accuracy and thoroughness of this document would not have been possible without lots of help. In addition to those listed in the introductory comments, I wish to give a BIG thank you to my fellow Microsoft MVP, Tom Wickerath. Tom, your never-ending patience, great technical knowledge, and true friendship is a blessing in my life ... words cannot express my gratitude ...

I also wish to give a special thanks to Arvin Meyer for setting up this site and giving Access MVPs a place to share their expertise with others.

In the 18 years I have been using and teaching Access, this document is the result of what I feel is most important to know on your road to cecomin a master. Check back every now and then to see if a new version has been posted.

For those of you who are new to this information, don't be discouraged if there are things that don't make sense. Nothing with the power of Access is easy, so just take one step at a time ... you will get there

Each time you read this document, you will learn something new. If you have taken classes in Access, you will find that this document probably goes well beyond what you have been taught. No time is wasted, and no extra words are used. These 100 pages are packed with information and, since "a picture is worth 1,000 words", there are also lots of screen shots.

Summary of Contents for Access Basics (click on the chapter you want to read)

• Table of Contents and List of Figures
  Each chapter and section title is summarized in the Table of Contents, along with its page number. Every figure is numbered and is in the List of Figures

1. Types of Applications
   What are the principal applications for computers? Put Access into perspective with other applications.

2. Database Objects
   Learn about the basic Access objects: Tables, Queries, Forms, Reports, Macros, and Modules Also explains Properties and Methods, VBA, and Reference Libraries

3. Normalizing Data
   Now that you understand what a table is ... how do you design them? Just be simple ... but the simple way is not often easy to see! Tips to get you looking at your data from a different angle.

4. Relationships, Referential Integrity, Indexes
   How does all the various information relate? What can you do to while you are designing your database to get an overall view?

5. Form and Report Design
   Now that the basic structure is in place, how do you make it easy for the users to enter data? How do you create reports?

6. SQL Syntax
   What is SQL? Structured Query Language. Is it hard to learn? ... No!

7. Delimiters
   How is text information distinguished from numbers or dates? How do you indicate a field in a table or a control on a form?

8. Where to Get More Help
   Are there places on the Internet where you can ask questions and folks will help? Yes
   Are there good books for learning Access? Yes
   Are there web pages you can go to for valuable information? Yes
   Are there sites devoted to Access 2007? Yes

All these questions and more will be answered and explained ...

Why am I giving you this document instead of making you pay for it? good question ... If I were to write a book, many of you would not buy it. Some of you can't afford it — and I want to help you; I have been there. Others of you will weigh my book against the rest and mine is small! ... only 100 pages compared to great references boasting 1500 pages — but the only good books are the ones you read.

I love hearing your comments and suggestions!

Get your applications in shape with private training! If you want to master Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Windows Phone development, or Camtasia, contact me, I can help you. When we work together, you have the benefit of an expert sitting at your side showing you exactly what to do — and correcting mistakes as you make them (and you will, we all do) ... without taking any space ;) or the distraction of my being in your presence. I connect to your computer — you see what I do and I see what you do, and we talk — I am virtually there :) We build what you need, it is fun, and you learn!