Many offices are on the fence as to whether or not to download Microsoft Access 2007 because there have been many changes in this latest iteration of the database software. The changes go far beyond the surface face lift. There is a new user interface, changes in layout view for designing forms and multiple alterations on the back end.

You need an intimate understanding of what has changed and what has stayed the same prior to upgrading. If you're still undecided as to whether or not to make the switch, these Microsoft Access download basics will help you make an informed decision:

1. Find out what's new in Access 2007, and download Microsoft Access e-Books for vital transition information.
2. Test out the product before committing to any Microsoft Access download or purchase.
3. Purchase and download Microsoft Access 2007, either as a standalone product or as part of an Office Suite.

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

Research and read up on Access 2007 before shelling out money on any Microsoft Access download sites

Access 2007 introduced some of the most radical changes and improvements since the inception of the program over a decade ago. It's important to learn everything you can before deciding to upgrade your office software. Microsoft Access downloads and information will help you make that decision.

I recommend: There is an excellent overview of Access 2007 on Allen Browne. You can read about what's new and what's broken, and surf links to some of the best articles and downloads for Access 2007. You can download a free Access 2007 ebooks at Download eBook, including "Access 2007 for Starters: The Missing Manual."

Download Microsoft Access 2007 as part of a trial suite, or take it for an online test drive

It's always a good idea to try a product before buying it. You can try Access out either online or through a trial Microsoft Access download. If you plan on installing a trial version of one of the Office suites, don't do it on the computer you normally use for your Access work. If you decide in the end not to purchase it, all kinds of problems can arise in attempting to roll back the trial. It's best to test it out on a non-vital system.

I recommend: Try out Access 2007 for free online at Runaware. Or, download a 60 day trial of one of the office suites that includes Access 2007, such as Office Professional 2007, directly on the Microsoft website.

Order and download Microsoft Access 2007

If you've decided to upgrade, you certainly don't have to purchase an entire Office Suite just to be able to download Microsoft Access 2007. An upgrade copy of Access 2007 is a little over $100. If you're purchasing it for the first time, you can plan on paying over $200.

I recommend: You can't purchase Access 2007 as a standalone product on the Microsoft website. They'd rather you purchased an Office Suite, naturally. If you're already planning on upgrading your whole Office Suite, you can get Access 2007 at a discount by purchasing it as part of a bundle. If you just want to purchase Access 2007 as a standalone product, visit Provantage or DataVision.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check out the Microsoft Volume Licensing programs if you need multiple software licenses. You can take advantage of this program for as few as five desktops. Obviously this isn't an issue if you only need to purchase one Microsoft Access download, but you can save considerable money if you need the software installed on a large number of office desktops.

Microsoft Access download sites offer a variety of service packs, updates and product enhancements to simplify Microsoft Access usage. Some Microsoft Access downloads are designed to update your Microsoft Access software and keep it running with optimal functionality. Other Microsoft Access downloads provide program enhancements to improve database capabilities and applications.

There are a variety of Microsoft Access download sites online with a wealth of resources. However, before purchasing Microsoft Access downloads, evaluate the following:

1. How does the Microsoft Access download keep your software program current and operating at peak efficiency?

2. How will Microsoft Access downloads improve database capabilities, simplify software use or strengthen business applications?

3. How much should your business pay for a Microsoft Access download?

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

Download Microsoft Access programs that keep your software updated

Microsoft Access download sites offer updates designed to keep your software program running at optimal functionality. Some Microsoft Access download files simply update operating efficiency, while others utilize programs to make the software work smarter. Consider Microsoft Access downloads as an inexpensive resource for recovering corrupt files.

I recommend: The Access 2003 Conversion Toolkit available at Microsoft.com enables users to prepare database files for switching to the latest version of Microsoft Access. Recovery for Access at Free Downloads Center helps easily retrieve data from damaged Microsoft Access databases. The Auto FE Updater available at Granite Consulting automatically updates Microsoft Access front end MDB/MDE from a server to workstations or other network locations.

Choose Microsoft Access downloads that enhance database functions

There is an impressive selection of Microsoft Access downloads available to improve database capabilities. Some downloads provide faster and easier business applications, while others offer enhancements not available with current Microsoft Access software. To choose the most appropriate downloads, evaluate your database needs and business goals.

I recommend: The Access 2003/2002/2000 Sample: Summing in reports sample database download at CNET Networks offers reports for creating group sums, report sums, page sums and running sums. VelociForm at Peter's Software instantly opens an add/change/delete/search form based on query definitions and produces attractive forms. The Barcode Generator for Microsoft Access 7.5 offered by BrotherSoft.com provides dynamic barcoding for Microsoft Access reports.

Select Microsoft Access downloads available at competitive prices

Microsoft Access downloads are widely available for reasonable prices--and some are even free. Before buying a Microsoft Access download, find out if the providers offer a free trial. The free trial enables you to evaluate the download's effectiveness before making a purchase.

I recommend: Download the free Form Resizer at Download Software 4 Free to resize Microsoft Access forms to your current screen resolution. Get a free Access 2 MySQL 1.2 download, which easily converts Microsoft Access databases to MySQL, at TopShareware.com. Download a variety of competitively priced Microsoft Access tools for increasing database management productivity at Super Shareware.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Not all Microsoft Access downloads are compatible with every version of Microsoft Access or each operating system. Check compatibility requirements before downloading new products or service packs.

Many companies use Microsoft Access download education and training to ensure employees have the latest information about Microsoft Access. This training teaches employees all the processes used in Access and how to troubleshoot certain problems that may arise. Any company that uses Microsoft Access on a regular basis will benefit from this training.

There are four different ways to provide Microsoft Access download education and training for employees. Online tutorials are a great training tool for employees that are already familiar with Access. Online courses are available for companies that need to train one or two employees but do not have the funds to send employees to seminars. Seminars and on-site trainings give your employees instructor-led training with other students. CD-based training gives employees self-paced, hands-on training.

1. Review online tutorials about Microsoft Access download.

2. Sign up for online Microsoft Access courses.

3. Locate Microsoft Access download seminars and on-site trainings.

4. Buy Microsoft Access download training CDs.

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

Read online tutorials for Microsoft Access download

Online tutorials work best for those who only need to learn the basics of Microsoft Access. Tutorials give step-by-step of how to accomplish specific tasks. This allow employees to maneuver around Access with ease.

I recommend: Microsoft provides an array of tutorials for Microsoft Access download and operation. Find tutorials for Microsoft Access at the website for Bay City Public Schools.

Enroll in online courses about Microsoft Access download

Online courses cover all aspects of Microsoft Access and allow employees to learn whenever and wherever they have time and Internet access. Some Microsoft Access online courses provide certification in the computer program after successful completion of the course.

I recommend: Search the list of Microsoft Access training courses at eLearners.com. Create custom online classes at CustomGuide.

Locate Microsoft Access download seminars and on-site trainings

Seminars and on-site trainings offers a classroom environment for employees to learn in. On-site training companies provide professionals that come to your business to lead the training courses.

I recommend: Webucator offers on-site and public trainings for Microsoft Access downloads. Find on-site and seminar trainings at Orange Coast Database Associates.

Purchase Microsoft Access Download training CDs

Computer-based training is designed to allow companies to train multiple employees with the same training software. This software takes employees through Access and teaches them Access processes in action. These training programs are more comprehensive than online tutorials.

I recommend: CBT Planet offers computer-based training for Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Access. Visit Train Signal for CD-based training for Microsoft Access 2007. TeachUcomp sells CD training programs with printable manuals.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  There are many versions of Access. When selecting a training option, choose the program or course that corresponds to the version of Access your company uses.