ACCESSIBLE ACCESS 2003
Access
was designed to be a simple-to-use tool for creating stand-alone
databases to run on PCs. Since its launch in 1992, it has been phenomenally
successful and has, over the years, been extensively modified and
extended. Access continues to be developed and the 2003 version adds even more
in the way of cool stuff you can do with a database, including publishing a database
to the web and developing for a multi-user client-server back-end.
Despite the glitz and glamour of these high-end additions, Bill
and I feel that there are still many people who want to create and
use relatively simple databases on stand-alone PCs. Such databases
may well evolve and grow and the tools are there for when they do,
but for a little database to grow into a big strong database application,
it needs a good foundation.
We think it is of paramount importance to create a well-crafted
well-structured database right from the word go and that’s
the one and only goal of this book. Accessible Access describes
a route from a new user’s first steps on launching the application
to the creation of a robust stand-alone database.
In order to keep the book to a readable size and so avoid deluging
the reader with details, we chose to concentrate exclusively on
the basics of Access 2003: the finer points of input masks, for instance,
are entirely ignored, the sexy webby bits are shimmied over very
rapidly and the mighty power of Access programming and projects
get the merest nod. The advantage of this decision is that the book
focuses on the core elements of Access which have to be understood
in order to get you up and running with the product in the shortest
possible time. We've tried to provide a concise and easy-to-follow
path through the core functionality of Access to enable readers
to construct a stand-alone database as easily as possible.
We were delighted with the reception that Accessible Access 2000
received and have tried to keep the same philosophy for Accessible
Access 2003. We've gone through the text with a fine-tooth comb:
every screen shot has been retaken and every section has been
re-checked to ensure not only that it still works, but also that it
is actually still relevant. We have re-written parts where the
product has changed and also added some new material. For example, there is a new
section on Object Dependencies and a whole new chapter about Data
Access Pages - helping you to put your Access database onto an intranet.
Accessible Access 2003 can be bought on-line from Amazon (.co.uk
or .com). |