MOS Access Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019)
1 Introduction to Microsoft Access
1-1 Overview of Microsoft Access
1-2 Understanding the Access interface
1-3 Navigating the Ribbon and Backstage view
1-4 Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
1-5 Using the Tell Me feature
2 Creating and Managing Databases
2-1 Creating a new database
2-2 Opening and closing databases
2-3 Saving and backing up databases
2-4 Converting databases between file formats
2-5 Managing database properties
3 Designing Tables
3-1 Understanding table structure
3-2 Creating tables using table design view
3-3 Defining field properties
3-4 Setting primary keys
3-5 Creating relationships between tables
3-6 Enforcing referential integrity
3-7 Using lookup fields
4 Entering and Managing Data
4-1 Entering data into tables
4-2 Editing and deleting records
4-3 Using data entry forms
4-4 Sorting and filtering data
4-5 Using validation rules and messages
4-6 Importing and exporting data
5 Creating and Customizing Forms
5-1 Understanding forms
5-2 Creating forms using the Form Wizard
5-3 Customizing form layout
5-4 Adding controls to forms
5-5 Setting control properties
5-6 Using form views (Form View, Layout View, Design View)
5-7 Creating subforms
6 Creating and Customizing Reports
6-1 Understanding reports
6-2 Creating reports using the Report Wizard
6-3 Customizing report layout
6-4 Adding controls to reports
6-5 Setting control properties
6-6 Using report views (Report View, Layout View, Design View)
6-7 Grouping and summarizing data in reports
6-8 Printing and exporting reports
7 Querying Data
7-1 Understanding queries
7-2 Creating queries using the Query Wizard
7-3 Using query design view
7-4 Adding fields to queries
7-5 Using criteria and operators
7-6 Sorting and grouping query results
7-7 Creating calculated fields
7-8 Using aggregate functions
7-9 Creating and using parameter queries
7-10 Creating and using crosstab queries
8 Macros and Automation
8-1 Understanding macros
8-2 Creating and editing macros
8-3 Using macro actions
8-4 Assigning macros to events
8-5 Debugging macros
8-6 Understanding VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
8-7 Writing simple VBA procedures
9 Securing and Sharing Databases
9-1 Setting database passwords
9-2 Encrypting databases
9-3 Managing user-level security
9-4 Sharing databases with others
9-5 Using SharePoint and OneDrive for data storage
9-6 Collaborating with others in real-time
10 Maintaining and Optimizing Databases
10-1 Compact and repair databases
10-2 Analyzing and optimizing database performance
10-3 Using the Database Documenter
10-4 Managing database objects
10-5 Backing up and restoring databases
10-6 Migrating databases to newer versions of Access
Understanding Table Structure in Microsoft Access

Understanding Table Structure in Microsoft Access

Tables are the foundational components of a database in Microsoft Access. Understanding their structure is crucial for effectively organizing and managing data. This guide will help you grasp the key concepts related to table structure.

Key Concepts

1. Tables

Tables are where data is stored in a database. Each table consists of rows (records) and columns (fields). Tables are designed to store related data, such as customer information or product details.

2. Fields

Fields are the individual data points within a table. Each field represents a specific attribute of the data, such as "CustomerID," "FirstName," or "LastName." Fields define the type of data that can be stored, such as text, numbers, or dates.

3. Records

Records are the rows within a table that contain the actual data. Each record represents a single instance of the data, such as a specific customer or product. For example, in a "Customers" table, each record might represent one customer with their unique details.

4. Data Types

Data types define the kind of data that can be stored in a field. Common data types in Access include Text, Number, Date/Time, and Currency. Choosing the correct data type ensures data integrity and proper functionality.

5. Primary Key

A primary key is a field (or combination of fields) that uniquely identifies each record in a table. It ensures that each record is distinct and helps in establishing relationships between tables. For example, a "CustomerID" field could serve as the primary key in a "Customers" table.

Examples and Analogies

Table as a Spreadsheet

Think of a table in Access as a spreadsheet. Each column in the spreadsheet represents a field, and each row represents a record. For instance, a spreadsheet for "Customers" might have columns like "CustomerID," "FirstName," and "LastName," with each row containing the details of a different customer.

Fields as Categories

Fields can be compared to categories in a filing system. Just as you might have separate folders for "Customer Names" and "Customer Addresses," a table has separate fields to store different types of data. This organization makes it easier to find and manage information.

Records as Individual Entries

Records are like individual entries in a ledger. Each entry contains specific details, such as the name and address of a customer. In a "Customers" table, each record would represent one customer, with all their relevant information stored in the corresponding fields.

Data Types as Containers

Data types are like containers that hold specific types of data. For example, a "Text" container holds words and letters, while a "Number" container holds numerical values. Using the correct data type ensures that the data is stored and processed correctly.

Primary Key as a Unique Identifier

A primary key is like a unique barcode on a product. Just as each product has a distinct barcode, each record in a table has a unique primary key. This ensures that each record can be easily identified and referenced.

By understanding these key concepts, you can effectively design and manage tables in Microsoft Access, ensuring your data is organized and accessible.