Although perhaps not as widely used as Word or Excel, Access is the most powerful program in the Microsoft Office suite. Access is a flexible and relatively simple way to create databases to store, manage and enter data. It even exceeds the capabilities of Excel. Access provides a simple yet robust way to manage your data. Simple, of course, is a relative term. But these ten tips can make life with Access simpler.
Access databases can range from a simple application like a mom & pop inventory tracker to an enterprise app that integrates with SQL servers and contains thousands of records. Access's power has increased significantly with the release of Access 2010. The most exciting new feature for many is the ability to build and publish Web databases. There are a lot more new capabilities, too, such as Web Browser Control, the Image Gallery, and several powerful developer enhancements. Access 2010 also features the Ribbon interface for quick access to commands and menu options. Backstage View is now included as well, giving users a centralized way to perform common database management tasks.
All these capabilities may make Access too high-end for the average IT tinkerer. But you don't have to be a programmer to design a robust Web application or local database. Access includes a variety of templates to get you started in just a few clicks. These ten tips can help, too. While they assume a basic level of knowledge, some of the tips are dead simple, and require little more than clicking a command on the Ribbon. Some involve creating a couple lines of code. They all, however, are great ways to help you add some punch to your databases and get the most you can from Access. Click through the slideshow below to get some quick, simple tips for Access.
Looking for even more Microsoft Office 2010 tips? Check out the rest of our ongoing series.
- Microsoft Office 2010: 10 Tips and Tricks
- Microsoft Office 2010: 10 More Tips and Tricks
- 10 Expert Tips for Microsoft Word
- 10 Excellent Tips for Microsoft Excel 2010
- 10 Simple Outlook 2010 Tips
- 10 Tips for Microsoft Word and PowerPoint 2010
- How to Use Outlook Better: 10 Tips
- How to Use Excel More Effectively: 10 Great Excel Tips & Tricks
- Ten Tips for Microsoft Word and Excel