As the most popular database management program on the market, Microsoft Access didn't need much improvement. But with the release of Access 2003, Microsoft managed to further enhance the way people organize, access, and share information. In this new version, Access is more capable than ever, thanks to additional features like automatic error checking, automatic property updating, and the expanded ability to import, export, and work with Extensible Markup Language (XML) data files. The number of features it offers is truly impressive--and potentially daunting. Anyone baffled by the multitude of features and functionality in Microsoft Access can get up to speed quickly with the help of Access 2003 Personal Trainer. Part of our new Personal Trainer Series, this book lets people of any technical level learn exactly what they need to know at their own pace. Unlike many consumer software tutorials that dumb down the material or present it in a confusing fashion, this book is written in a non-technical and engaging style that readers find fun, easy, and informative. This book will not only help existing users, but those who received Access as part of Microsoft Office and are now ready to dip their toe in the water. It starts with Access fundamentals and then moves on to tables, fields, queries, forms, reports, macros, and advanced topics like linking information from an external source. Access 2003 Personal Trainer explains how you can easily:

• Access information from multiple sources

• Link business systems

• Create powerful database solutions

• Share information more efficiently

To best guide learning, Access 2003 Personal Trainer includes detailed diagrams, dozens of task-oriented lessons, and a fully interactive training simulation CD--everything you need to become an Access pro.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 10 Ratings

A Lightweight but Effective Primer for the Basics - 2006-02-08
Reviewer Rating:
This book grew on me. It is woefully inadequate when it comes to teaching the real use of databases. The ideas and concepts are presented in a very superficial manner. Still, as I plugged on through it, I came to have much more respect for it.

It does not teach the use of databases. Instead, it teaches the Access 2003 interface. In doing that, it does a very good job. I would even venture to say it does a better job at teaching the interface than many larger and more comprehensive books.

The book comes with a CD loaded with projects to accompany the tutorial. In general, the program behaved as described and there was really only one place where my screen would not show what the text said it would show. The illustrations are a bit on the small side but that seems to be normal. They are just big enough to be useful.

The lessons are broken up into individual themes and further broken into very short segments. These short segments may cover only a single command and can be completed in just a few minutes. I found this useful in that I seldom have a long stretch of time I can devote to a protracted lesson. Upon reflection, I think this short subject approach helped in retention as well.

It is a good program to teach the interface but much more is needed to learn how to properly use a database.

Didn't teach what I needed - 2006-11-10
Reviewer Rating:
I do like the format of the lessons and how easy they are to get through. In my opinion, however, the most difficult part of learning Access is to understand the concept of building working relationships between databases. The few lessons addressing this topic were very brief and I feel basically chalked it up to being "a difficult concept to master" and left it at that. I would've preferred more instruction in this area, and less in how to enter data into a table.

I will say, though, if you're just looking for a broad overview in how a database like Access functions, and how to work an already functional database, this is a good resource.

access personal trainer - 2009-04-25
Reviewer Rating:
This purchase from Amazon was not good at all. The first copy of the book I received did not come with the CD. I sent this copy back and the second copy sent to me also did NOT contain the CD's. I e-mailed the book publisher and was told that book was suppose to have a CD with it. I still have not received my refund for this purchase.

Access 2003 Personal Trainer (Personal Trainer (O'Reilly)) - 2008-02-09
Reviewer Rating:
I have bought the whold set of these book for my library and they are great reference. Access can be mastered with this help. Recommend

excellent book! - 2007-03-10
Reviewer Rating:
I love the book! help me to pass the exam and got a certificate

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