Compared to industrial-strength database products such as Microsoft's SQL Server, Access is a breeze to use. It runs on PCs rather than servers and is ideal for small- to mid-sized businesses and households. But Access is still intimidating to learn. It doesn't help that each new version crammed in yet another set of features; so many, in fact, that even the pros don't know where to find them all. Access 2007 breaks this pattern with some of the most dramatic changes users have seen since Office 95. Most obvious is the thoroughly redesigned user interface, with its tabbed toolbar (or "Ribbon") that makes features easy to locate and use. The features list also includes several long-awaited changes. One thing that hasn't improved is Microsoft's documentation. To learn the ins and outs of all the features in Access 2007, Microsoft merely offers online help.
Access 2007: The Missing Manual was written from the ground up for this redesigned application. You will learn how to design complete databases, maintain them, search for valuable nuggets of information, and build attractive forms for quick-and-easy data entry. You'll even delve into the black art of Access programming (including macros and Visual Basic), and pick up valuable tricks and techniques to automate common tasks -- even if you've never touched a line of code before. You will also learn all about the new prebuilt databases you can customize to fit your needs, and how the new complex data feature will simplify your life. With plenty of downloadable examples, this objective and witty book will turn an Access neophyte into a true master.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Great Information:
After reading this book cover to cover, I was able to put together my first database and understand alot more of Access. I have had a difficult time grasping this software and have read 3 other books before this one. The Missing Manual was filled with great information and was easy to read.
Access 2007 The Missing Manual:
This is one of the best technical manuals I have read. Everything is easy to find and easy to understand. I have several manuals where you spend hours trying to find the answer to a question only to be frustrated in either not finding the answer or the answer being so vague that it makes no sense. This book does not do that; answers are both understandable AND quick to find. I highly recommend this book. Access 2007: The Missing Manual
Still missing:
I'm not a complete newbie to Access or to database design, but I would still qualify as a beginner. This manual spent too much time on things I already know how to do (like set up a table with basic relationships) and not enough on the things I have not quite figured out (like how to create subforms that pop up at helpful intervals). I bought this Missing Manual after having a really good experience with the Missing Manual to Dreamweaver CS3, but while the Dreamweaver book had helpful step-by-step... more info
Excellent!:
This book is perfect for the novice. It guides you to the key components for MS Access without all the "techie" language. It also points out informative tips and clues to improve your database. This is specific for 2007, which really does make a difference since the security features have changed dramatically. There is a website for the examples. It is easy to download. The book states you have access to the online version or a CD of the book. This is misleading. There is one available but it requires you... more info
