Microsoft Access is a complete relational database management system that offers powerful tools for creating tables, queries, forms and reports. This concise guide to building databases begins with a short but practical overview of good database design -beginning with how to model the numerous tables that are required to manage the real world facts about objects, places, or events. Following the design review, the book then steps you through the process of creating tables (including working with data types, validation rules, input masks and formatting), queries (creating criteria expressions, formulas, and working with action queries), forms (from simple forms to forms with subforms) and reports (including simple reports, grouped and summary reports, and mailing labels). This title is the first in a series on Building components for a Microsoft Access database. The books in this series focus on a task-based approach to learning Microsoft Access and therefore differ from other books that feature a complete review of all the commands and tools available in Microsoft Access. Schiavone taught database design for large organizations for over 10 years. This task-based approach to learning is the result of years of field experience in training office and technology workers what they need to know to get the job done.
About the Author: F. Mark Schiavone was originally trained as a research scientist, and in that capacity he began constructing database applications and analyzing complex data sets over 30 years ago. His database skills include Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server and MySQL and he has constructed applications using those platforms for clients in large to mid-size organizations, including the US Department of Education, the National Weather Service, and the International Monetary Fund. He has authored over 30 training titles in topics such as Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and in the VBA programming language. He also has 8 years experience in public finance, capital project planning, and local government budgeting and has constructed numerous database applications to support those endeavors. He has restored three stone houses (two of which were 18th century while the most recent house dates from 1835), reroofed a loafing barn, disassembled and reassembled a corn crib, and built several frame houses, additions or outbuildings. He has designed every new structure built on his property. He is a passionate all weather, high mileage motorcyclist and is usually the only motorcyclist on the local roads when the temperature is below 25° F.