Access 2002 XP Training

Access 2002 (XP)

Module 1 (Core) Course Outline

Important Information Regarding Database Design

It is not possible to be a proficient Access user without also understanding how to correctly design and implement a relational database. We do not list "Database Design" as a separate topic in our course outline. Design issues are covered throughout the course so that by the end of the course each delegate is extremely proficient in both the advanced use of all Access features and relational database design best-practice.

As well as learning Access you'll also pick up many "golden rules" of database design - things we've discovered the hard way after over 20 years of designing and implementing commercial databases for some of the world's largest companies.

At the end of this course delegates will not only understand Dr Codd's Third Normal Form rules but also appreciate why they are important... and the problems that will occur if they are not observed. You'll also learn some of The Smart Method's database design rules that you will never find in a textbook! Read the outline below but remember that you'll come away from this course with far more than simply the topics listed.

The Fundamentals
     Introduction to Databases
     What's New in Access 2002?
     Starting Access and Opening a Database
     Understanding the Access Program Screen
     Using Toolbars
     Hiding, Displaying, and Moving Toolbars
     Filling Out Dialog Boxes
     Keystroke and Right Mouse Button Shortcuts
     Opening and Modifying Database Objects
     Working with Multiple Windows
     Tour of a Table
     Adding, Editing, and Deleting Records
     Tour of a Form
     Tour of a Query
     Tour of a Report
     Previewing and Printing a Database Object
     Selecting Data
     Cutting, Copying, and Pasting Data
     Using Undo
     Checking Your Spelling
     Getting Help from the Office Assistant
     Changing the Office Assistant and Using the "What's This" Button
     Using the Zoom Box
     Closing a Database and Exiting Access

Creating and Working with a Database
     Planning a Database
     Creating a Database Using the Database Wizard
     Creating a Blank Database
     Creating a Table Using the Table Wizard
     Modifying a Table and Understanding Data Types
     Creating a New Table from Scratch
     Creating a Query in Design View
     Modifying a Query
     Sorting a Query using Multiple Fields
     Developing AND and OR Operators
     Creating a Form with the Form Wizard
     Creating a Report with the Report Wizard
     Creating Mailing Labels with the Label Wizard
     Database Object Management
     File Management
     Compacting and Repairing a Database
     Converting an Access Database

Finding, Filtering, and Formatting Data
     Finding and Replacing Information
     Sorting Records
     Filtering by Selection
     Filtering by Form
     Creating an Advanced Filter
     Adjusting Row Height and Column Width
     Rearranging Columns
     Changing Gridline and Cell Effects
     Freezing a Field
     Hiding a Field
     Changing the Datasheet Font

Working with Tables and Fields
     Understanding Field Properties
     Indexing a Field
     Adding a Primary Key to a Table
     Inserting, Deleting, and Reordering Fields
     Changing a Field’s Data Type
     Using Field Descriptions
     Adding a Caption
     Change the Field Size
     Formatting Number, Currency, and Date/Time Fields
     Formatting Number, Currency, and Date/Time Fields by Hand
     Formatting Text Fields
     Setting a Default Value
     Requiring Data Entry
     Validating Data
     Creating an Input Mask
     Creating a Lookup Field
     Creating a Value List
     Modifying a Lookup List

Working with Relational Databases
     Understanding Table Relationships
     Creating Relationships between Tables
     Enforcing Referential Integrity
     Testing Referential Integrity and Deleting a Relationship
     Understanding of Relationship Types