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 Forms in Microsoft Access

Understanding Forms in Microsoft Access

Forms in Microsoft Access are user interfaces designed to facilitate data entry, viewing, and editing. They provide a more intuitive and organized way to interact with database data compared to directly working with tables. Understanding forms is crucial for creating efficient and user-friendly databases.

Key Concepts

1. Forms

Forms are graphical interfaces that allow users to interact with database data. They can be used for data entry, editing, and viewing records. Forms can be customized with various controls such as text boxes, combo boxes, and buttons to enhance user experience.

2. Controls

Controls are the individual elements within a form that allow users to interact with the data. Common controls include text boxes for entering data, combo boxes for selecting from a list, and buttons for executing actions like saving or navigating records.

3. Binding

Binding refers to the process of linking a control in a form to a specific field in a table. When a control is bound to a field, any data entered or edited in the control is automatically saved to the corresponding field in the table.

4. Subforms

Subforms are forms embedded within another form. They are used to display related data from a different table. For example, a main form for customers might include a subform for displaying the orders placed by each customer.

5. Form Design View

Form Design View is the interface used to create and customize forms. It allows you to add, remove, and configure controls, set properties, and arrange the layout of the form.

Detailed Explanation

1. Forms

Forms in Access are created to provide a more user-friendly way to interact with database data. They can be designed to resemble paper forms, making them familiar and easy to use. Forms can be used for various purposes, such as entering new data, updating existing records, or viewing detailed information.

2. Controls

Controls in a form are the building blocks that allow users to interact with the data. Text boxes are used for entering and displaying text, combo boxes provide a dropdown list of options, and buttons can be used to trigger actions like saving data or moving to the next record. Each control has properties that can be set to customize its behavior and appearance.

3. Binding

Binding a control to a field ensures that any data entered or edited in the control is automatically saved to the corresponding field in the table. This seamless integration ensures data consistency and reduces the risk of errors. For example, a text box in a form for entering customer names can be bound to the "CustomerName" field in the "Customers" table.

4. Subforms

Subforms are useful for displaying related data from different tables within a single form. For instance, a main form for employees might include a subform that displays the projects each employee is working on. Subforms help in organizing and presenting complex data relationships in a clear and concise manner.

5. Form Design View

Form Design View is where you create and customize forms. You can add controls, set their properties, and arrange them to create an intuitive and visually appealing interface. Design View also allows you to preview the form to see how it will look and function before using it.

Examples and Analogies

Forms as User-Friendly Interfaces

Think of a form as a digital version of a paper form you might fill out at a doctor's office. Just as the paper form guides you through entering your information, a form in Access guides users through entering and viewing data in a structured and intuitive way.

Controls as Interactive Elements

Controls in a form are like the different input fields on a website. Just as a website might have text boxes for entering names and email addresses, a form in Access has text boxes for entering customer names and addresses. Combo boxes are like dropdown menus that allow users to select from a list of options.

Binding as Data Connection

Binding a control to a field is like connecting a hose to a faucet. Just as water flows through the hose when the faucet is turned on, data entered in a bound control flows directly to the corresponding field in the table, ensuring that the data is correctly stored and managed.

Subforms as Nested Information

Subforms are like chapters within a book. Just as a book might have chapters that provide detailed information about specific topics, a form in Access can have subforms that provide detailed information about related data. For example, a main form for products might include a subform that lists the suppliers for each product.

Form Design View as a Workshop

Form Design View is like a workshop where you build and customize a form. Just as a carpenter uses tools to build a piece of furniture, you use Design View to add controls, set properties, and arrange the layout of the form to create a functional and visually appealing interface.