Where to start learning about Access?

[Lionel Mrocki]

I wish to set up a database to manage special customer orders in a very
busy retail (single store) business.

The (very old DOS-based) point-of-sale computer system we use currently
holds some 16,000 stock cards (about 8,500 of which represent stock
lines which are generally stocked as current inventory) (complete with
supplier codes) and can export its database as CSV files. I'd like to
be able to harness some of this data, but not be limited to it as many
special orders are for stock lines we have never carried.

I am familiar with using Access powered databases from 2 fairly simple
programs we use already. I have a fair idea of the fields I'd like to
include for each customer order record, and a fair idea of the sorts of
reports I'd like to be able to generate in order to then manage the
ordering. I have absolutely no idea how to go about setting up this new
database, have no SQL or VB or any programming experience.

I have looked at some of the web-based tutorial and tips sites to get a
bit of an understanding, but want to know;
a) am I biting off more than I can chew?
b) which book/resource should I turn to to get me going?
c) will you mind lots of silly questions?

 

[Frank Stone]

Hi,
You might try these sites
http://allenbrowne.com
http://www.mvps.org/access
http://www.lebans.com/
these sites also have links to other sites too.
Regards
Frank