Database Project

Watching the lectures and taking notes on Microsoft Access is one thing, but actually following guidelines to complete an Access project and putting what I learned in the lectures to use was quite a challenge. I learned how to create tables and the how to edit those tables to fit a certain criteria. In addition, I gained the knowlegde of importing and exporting data. There are two methods of importing data so that it can be merged with the current table. The first method involves appending where you make your table structure *identical* to the structure of the file being imported. Fields must be in the same order, with everything alike, including names. The other is the Copy/Paste method, where you import the external data to a new table and format the order of the fields in the original file so that it is the same as the exported file. Then all that is left to do is copy and ammend. I also learned how to create Queries, Forms and Reports. These are all specific ways of viewing a condensed form of the information that stems from an original data source. I also learned how to use functions and formulas, similar to Excel, in order to derive a range of data that was being asked for.

In terms of how Access can enhance its functionality, I would have to say that it can be more user friendly when it comes to the average user. In my case, I had opened up Access for the first time during Week 10 of this class. At that point in time, I was bewildered as to how to go about using the software. Without the lectures and having to do this project, I would probably still be clueless as to the majority of Access's functionalities. This can be anywhere from how one is to import or export a file, form queries/forms/reports and how to edit these as well. Simply reading a lot of text in Microsoft's help pane may not seem all that palpable to the average computer user. Instead, there should be example videos. The person shouldn't be forced to go searching online as to how to use this function or feature of Access. It is an extrememly great organizational tool however, one that most people do not utilize. This should not be the case. Now that I have some basic knowledge, I will spread the word on the usefullness of Microsoft Access.