Determining whether or not Microsoft Access is an easy program to learn appears to be more of a personal opinion as opposed to a yes/no question. Some people might say that Access is very easy to understand and jam-packed with sensible, user-friendly features. Others might tell you that Access is confusing and difficult to learn. So how do you know if you’ll have a simple time adapting to the program?
Generally speaking, Access is user friendly and can be used by beginners, but there is a learning curve. We recommend taking advantage of the various tutorials and help forums available, as they will help you better understand – and appreciate – Access in its entirety.
Many users are able to navigate Access fairly well in the first few days, especially if they’re already used to working in Microsoft programs. If you regularly use spreadsheets for your line of work, you’ll also feel right at home using Access. However, we still recommend leaving yourself ample time to explore the program and appreciate all that it has to offer.
Here are some tips for helping you learn Access.
Getting Started
Perhaps one of the most important factors in the beginning is understanding the various terminology used in the program (i.e., database, queries, wizards). Once you know what the terminology means, you’ll have an easier time following the tips and suggestions.
Also, you should familiarize yourself in regards to when and how databases should be used. For instance, if you only need to maintain a small amount of data, or the data you need to store is for a short time, a database is probably over the top. Access is best for managing large amounts of data.
Creating Databases
Once you get a feel for the program, the next step is understanding how to create a database. Here are some things to explore:
- What to name your database
- Where to store your database
- How to create a table using the Table Wizard
- How to enter information
- How to change and delete information
- How to save and exit your database
Using the Features: Queries, Sorting and Filters
Access has a number of great tools, and queries is one of them. Queries let you select specific data from your tables. What you’ll want to learn are the types of queries that Access supports, how to use Query Wizards and how to design your own queries.
Also popular is the ability to sort and filter data. Sorting lets you put information into a logical order, while filtering allows you to limit what you see. These features can be used by the user-friendly drop-down menus.
Conclusion
Access is a very dynamic program, giving you the ability to create custom forms, integrate your data with Word and Excel and import and export information. It also has a decent selection of wizards and tools that make creating reports and forms simple. The basics of Access can be learned fairly quickly, but do have patience in the meantime. You can also reach out to a database company like Arkware for Access support.
Access is well suited to create flat databases for the average user. However, in order to create relational
databases, users need to have formal training in database development, information systems and Visual Basic.
Access is a complicated program. I took a course at our community college some years ago. I strongly suggest one book to teach you. It is New Comprehensive Perspective Access. This book was the book recommended for the class. Had I known it existed I would not have taken the class. It is written in simple English and when I took it, it started out with how to reboot the computer. This is a fabulous book when starting from scatch. Other books jump in too fast and too hard.
I came to using MS Access after learning to program in SQL, so my view is skewed to its ease. I disagree on its limitations for the average use as flat file creator. I have used it with great success in introducing SQL and relational databases (RDBS) to new users in a “reverse engineering” fashion. While the MS version of SQL is a little different in syntax from others, doing basIc RDBS functions in MS Access and then seeing the code has been a useful learning bridge for coworkers who needed to learn SQL. And for those who did not the still have the concepts and capabilities of managing small level RDBS for their own productivity. Formal training is not that critical, but some study is required. Yet, it is not that hard.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with learning Access!