Microsoft Access resources are not difficult to come by, due to the widespread use of this program. Microsoft Access is a software package from Microsoft that helps users in creating relational database management systems, combining the relational Microsoft Jet Database Engine with a graphical user interface and software development tools. It can use data stored in many formats including Access/Jet, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, or any ODBC-compliant data container (including MySQL and PostgreSQL).

Skilled software developers and data architects use it to develop application software. Relatively unskilled programmers and non-programmers use it to build simple applications.

Access is used by small businesses, within departments of large corporations and by hobby programmers to create ad hoc customized desktop systems for handling the creation and manipulation of data.

One of the benefits of Access from a programmer's perspective is its relative compatibility with SQL (structured query language) — queries can be viewed graphically or edited as SQL statements, and SQL statements can be used directly in Macros and VBA Modules to manipulate Access tables. Users can mix and use both VBA and "Macros" for programming forms and logic and offers object-oriented possibilities.

Basically, Microsoft Access resources are used for:

1. organizing data
2. building tables
3. writing queries
4. designing forms
5. generating reports

Microsoft Access can be very cumbersome and difficult to use. There are many useful tools available to help with this process, whether you are a beginning user or an expert seeking out more information on some of the advanced features of the software. These include:

1. Microsoft Access help section
2. Microsoft Access manuals
3. Microsoft Access training classes
4. Microsoft Access tutorials
5. Microsoft Access technical support

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

How to use the Microsoft Access Help section of the software

Microsoft Access resources provide a well-defined Help section with its software package.

I recommend: Making use of the Microsoft Access help screens included in the software is rather simple to do. Just click on what you are searching for and follow the links. Or you can search for a topic in the software. The Microsoft Access resources page includes a long list of separate sections of MS Access help such as: getting started, getting help, and Microsoft Access training resources.

Where to find more information on Microsoft Access training and Microsoft Access tutorials

Microsoft Access training resources exist in abundance as detailed below

I recommend: Microsoft Access resources contains a great deal of information on training for MS Access, including: getting familiar with MS Access, MS Access help, managing data, general MS Access training in basic Office skills, and videos of training for Microsoft Access. Microsoft tutorials are available in abundance as well at Bay City Public Schools and at this free Microsoft Access tutorial by FunctionX.

Locating Microsoft Access guides and Microsoft Access manuals

Guides and manuals for Microsoft Access training exist online as well as at many bookstores.

I recommend: Advisor Guide to Microsoft Access provides an online guide for training for MS Access. Microsoft Learning offers guides and manuals for Microsoft Access training in preparation for MS Certification. Amazon.com offers quite a bit of information on guides and manuals that cover all aspects of training for MS Access.

Finding and using Microsoft Access support and Microsoft Access technical support

Support, including technical support, can be located throughout the web.

I recommend: Microsoft offers a great deal of information on Microsoft Access support and technical support. Other resources exist at: SupportSpace, Technet, and Griffin-Schruers, Inc..

Locating other Microsoft Access resources

Other Microsoft Access resources can be found quite easily.

I recommend: The Access web provides Microsoft Access resources that help developers find answers for some common questions. BNET provides listings to more than 3000 resources for finding MS Access help and Microsoft Access tips.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't forget forums and blogs for Microsoft Access help. A simple Google search on 'Microsoft Access forum' will bring up a large list of possibly useful websites.