| Some people like to think that expert database | | | | feature would be unwise. The next great thing about |
| programmers just sprout up out of the ground while | | | | MS Access is that it provides online help if you are |
| the rest of us are left trying to fumble our way through | | | | unable to find what you are looking for in the included |
| the complexities of Visual Basic and Standard Query | | | | help file. This should be used after exhausting the |
| Language (SQL). But many of you may be shocked to | | | | included help feature. |
| find that these experts started out much like you and | | | | If neither of these help features is working, I would |
| me. The difference? They found a way to go from | | | | suggest going to a popular search engine such as |
| confusion to understanding. I know that you are thinking | | | | Google and typing a brief question about what you are |
| to yourself, "Well that's easy to say, but how can I | | | | trying to accomplish (e.g. "How to create MS Access |
| become one of those individuals?" With a few tricks, | | | | queries in VB"). This has bailed me out of trouble many |
| some tinkering, and a little effort, you will be one step | | | | times when I was trying to do something very specific |
| closer to reaching your goal. | | | | and could not find an answer in either help file |
| The first thing to understand is that MS Access was | | | | mentioned above. |
| created to be used by large companies and individuals. | | | | The next bit of advice that I can give you is this: don't |
| In other words, it can be as complex or as simple as | | | | be afraid to tinker around. Most of my knowledge of |
| the user desires. This allows the program to grow in | | | | database programming came from sitting in front of |
| complexity as your knowledge and skills increase. | | | | my computer screen during my free time. Trust me, it |
| The first step to becoming an Access expert is | | | | is time well spent. Not only will it help you solve your |
| understanding that it WILL take some time to get | | | | problem, but you will gain familiarity with the program |
| comfortable with the program. That is why it is crucial | | | | and its features. |
| to remain calm and not get frustrated. Learning | | | | As a final piece of advice, I urge you to spend time |
| becomes extremely difficult when we are frustrated | | | | every day "tinkering" with the program. Even if it is only |
| or tense so let's dismiss that from the picture | | | | for 10-15 minutes, the constant exposure will pay off in |
| immediately. | | | | the long run. I find that going to the help feature and |
| Once you are no longer frustrated, we can begin our | | | | finding an article related to something I'm interested in |
| lesson. One of the great things about MS Access is | | | | learning how to do helps me immensely. With some |
| the help feature. Because Access was intended for | | | | practice and a little bit of time, you will undoubtedly |
| individuals, the developers included an extensive help | | | | become very efficient with your database |
| base with the software. To neglect making use of this | | | | programming. |