learning Access

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Tim923

How long does it take to become proficient in Access? I have never
needed to learn a database or spreadsheet program before, except some
Lotus 123?

I have studied Pascal, Java, JavaScript, and Photoshop. Not
Quickbooks.
 
How long does it take to become proficient in Access? I have never
needed to learn a database or spreadsheet program before, except some
Lotus 123?

I have studied Pascal, Java, JavaScript, and Photoshop. Not
Quickbooks.
Click to expand...

You should be able to set up simple databases, generate queries and
reports almost immediately. More complex databases with multiple
tables and relationships between them may take a bit longer, as will
writing macros.
"Most" users get along fine with just a basic knowledge (I'm one of
them). I wouldn'd call myself proficient, but I get a lot of use out
of Access.

Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/
 
Access is a very complex program. how long it takes to become proficient
depends on how much time you put into it, and what your definition of
proficient is. it is much easier to write simple databases for your own use,
than to write even simple databases for an "end user" - especially a
multi-user database.
whatever level of proficiency you aspire to, i recommend you start out
"right". before anything else, learn the rules of table
normalization/relationships. even the simplest database usually has at least
2 related tables.
if you invest the time in normalization/relationships now, everything else
you do will be quicker and easier because you won't have to spend
time/energy trying to find a way to compensate for basic design flaws - or
spend tremendous time/enery rebuilding when you *can't* find a way to
compensate for a basic design flaw.
you can google for table normalization information; also, i recommend the
two following links for very useful guidelines, and the following basic
users' manual:

http://www.mvps.org/access/tencommandments.htm

http://www.mvps.org/access/lookupfields.htm

(suggest you bookmark www.mvps.org)

Microsoft Access <version> Bible by Prague and Irwin

hth
 
Well, I've been using (and teaching) Access since it came out in 1992 and
I'm still discovering things I've never seen.

Database theory is something that complete college classes are taught on. As
someone else mentioned, you can pick up the basics by reading some books and
articles and a lot of practice.

Even though I was doing databases for years before Access every came out, I
still team up with a friend who's specialty is designing systems when I
encounter large databases.

A book I recommend to all of my students is "Database Design for Mere
Mortals" by Michael Hernandez.

Also, "The Access 2002 Developer's Handbook" volume 1 from Sybex has a good
section on design in it.

Can you get started making simple databases like mailing lists and inventory
lists quickly? Yes.

Can you make accounting systems and inventory control systems? Not for
awhile.

Good luck.

Sco
 
Charlie said:
You should be able to set up simple databases, generate queries and
reports almost immediately. More complex databases with multiple
tables and relationships between them may take a bit longer, as will
writing macros.
"Most" users get along fine with just a basic knowledge (I'm one of
them). I wouldn'd call myself proficient, but I get a lot of use out
of Access.

Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/
Click to expand...
 
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