Overview
- The most comprehensive reference on this popular database management tool, fully updated with the new features of Access "X" including increased use of XML and Web services
- Explores the new, tighter integration with SharePoint and BizTalk in Office "X" that enables greater flexibility for gathering and manipulating data
- Written by an international bestselling author team with several books to their credit, including previous editions of Access Bible
- Gets Access beginners started with hundreds of examples, tips, and techniques for getting the most from Access
- Offers advanced programming information for serious professionals
- CD-ROM includes all templates and worksheets used in the book, as well as sample chapters from all Wiley Office "X" related Bibles and useful third party software, including John Walkenbach's Power Utility Pak
Synopsis
If Access 2003 can do it, you can do it too...
Databases can be complex. That’s why you need the expert guidance in this comprehensive reference manual to help you harness their power with a solid understanding of database purpose, construction, and application. If this is your first encounter with Access, you’ll appreciate the thorough attention to database fundamentals and terminology. If you’re familiar with earlier versions, you can jump right into Access 2003 enhancements like wider use of XML and Web services.
Inside, you’ll find complete coverage of Access 2003
- Create tables, manipulate datasheets, and work with multiple tables
- Understand the seven database objects and design systems objects
- Apply the seven-step design method to build databases tailored to your needs
- Build forms with wizards, create bound and unbound forms, and add data validation
- Learn how to use Visual Basic® and the VBA Editor to automate Access applications
- Use XML to create basic and advanced Data Access Pages
- Automate query parameters, create functions and subroutines, and add programmed error routines
- Exchange data with Word, Excel, PowerPoint®, and other Office applications
Bonus CD-ROM and companion Web site!
- All source code from the book as well as a complete working example
- Exclusive Office 2003 Super Bible eBook, with more than 500 pages of information about how Microsoft Office components work together
- Bonus shareware, freeware, trial, demo, and evaluation programs that work with or enhance Microsoft Office
- Searchable eBook version of Access 2003 Bible
- An easy-to-use interface that allows you to browse and install everything on the CD
* The most comprehensive reference on this popular database management tool, fully updated with the new features of Access "X" including increased use of XML and Web services
* Explores the new, tighter integration with SharePoint and BizTalk in Office "X" that enables greater flexibility for gathering and manipulating data
* Written by an international bestselling author team with several books to their credit, including previous editions of Access Bible
* Gets Access beginners started with hundreds of examples, tips, and techniques for getting the most from Access
* Offers advanced programming information for serious professionals
* CD-ROM includes all templates and worksheets used in the book, as well as sample chapters from all Wiley Office "X" related Bibles and useful third party software, including John Walkenbach's Power Utility Pak
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewMicrosoft Access 2003 doesn’t have to be intimidating. The authors of Access 2003 Bible have come up with a masterful approach to teaching it. Invest some time with them, and you’ll be rewarded with deep enough mastery to accomplish virtually anything.
The authors have updated this book’s organization and content with great care. You’ll first learn the core database development techniques that apply regardless of your environment -- beginning with a top-down, seven-step design process covering everything from overall system design to menus.
In this context, the authors introduce a sample application, Access Auto Auctions, which serves as a framework for everything that follows.
Later, once you’ve systematically learned the key techniques of desktop database development, the authors show how to “upsize” your application for enterprise environments that require industrial-strength performance...and after that, how to extend your applications onto the Web.
That’s the high-level plan -- now for the details. The authors begin with essential definitions and questions: What’s a database? What are tables? Records? Fields? Values? Datasheets? Dynasets? Queries? What’s involved in designing a database? What happens if you don’t do it well? Why is it usually helpful to have multiple tables in your database?
Next, you’ll take a close look at each step you’ll need to follow to get from “idea” to efficient database. The authors offer examples of defining what your database must do (for example, maintain contact info, produce mailing labels); designing reports; organizing data; designing tables and relationships; providing for data entry and validation; and creating a Switchboard that helps users navigate your application.
Throughout the rest of Part I, you’ll walk through every aspect of data tables, from data entry through basic queries and using external data. Next, the authors truly systematic coverage of forms and reports, from the basics (building forms with Wizards) through subforms, calculations, summaries, special report types, ActiveX controls, graphs, and Pivot Objects.
There’s a nine-chapter section on automating your applications -- covering everything from VBA to ADO and SQL, even programmed error routines.
Once you’ve got a pretty solid application, the authors show how to upsize it. You’ll walk through creating an Access Data Project that leverages the front end you’ve already created, while using a more powerful, scalable back-end -- either the pricey SQL Server or the freebie Microsoft Data Engine (MSDE). There’s even a chapter on stored procedures and triggers.
When you’re ready to move your application to the Web, three chapters give you a strong grounding in Microsoft’s Data Access Pages (DAP), as well as Access 2003’s enhanced XML support. The book wraps up with wide-ranging advanced coverage -- everything from security to performance optimization, help systems to Access Developer’s Edition.
All the sample files you need are on the accompanying CD-ROM, along with a bundle of bonus content, including sample chapters from each of Wiley’s new Office 2003 Bibles, plus bonus third-party software. (A bonus for Excel users: John Walkenbach’s Power Utility Pak.) Bill Camarda
Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks for Dummies, Second Edition.