Compared to industrial-strength database products such as Microsoft's SQL Server, Access is a breeze to use. It runs on PCs rather than servers and is ideal for small- to mid-sized businesses and households. But Access is still intimidating to learn. It doesn't help that each new version crammed in yet another set of features; so many, in fact, that even the pros don't know where to find them all. Access 2007 breaks this pattern with some of the most dramatic changes users have seen since Office 95. Most obvious is the thoroughly redesigned user interface, with its tabbed toolbar (or "Ribbon") that makes features easy to locate and use. The features list also includes several long-awaited changes. One thing that hasn't improved is Microsoft's documentation. To learn the ins and outs of all the features in Access 2007, Microsoft merely offers online help.

Access 2007: The Missing Manual was written from the ground up for this redesigned application. You will learn how to design complete databases, maintain them, search for valuable nuggets of information, and build attractive forms for quick-and-easy data entry. You'll even delve into the black art of Access programming (including macros and Visual Basic), and pick up valuable tricks and techniques to automate common tasks -- even if you've never touched a line of code before. You will also learn all about the new prebuilt databases you can customize to fit your needs, and how the new complex data feature will simplify your life. With plenty of downloadable examples, this objective and witty book will turn an Access neophyte into a true master.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 27 Ratings

Missing Manual Access Review - 2009-07-09
Reviewer Rating:
The manual is well written and presented for the beginning to intermediate access user. Since it is a complete manual it does start out a bit basic but quickly gets more advanced. The author does a good job presenting examples of Access databases to teach not only the program but also proper database design. I like the prgression of more advanced program features and integration of Visual Basic into the manual. The only real downside is that the manual is a bit hard to read, smaller font size and harder to read typeset. Overall I would recommend this book for both training and reference. The author's writing style is extremely readable with no editing errors and good presentation.

Gold Standard - 2009-06-29
Reviewer Rating:
Can you believe that a liberal rag like the New York Times has a staff of techies that can write like real folks? They make this new (complete rewrite) Access crystal clear with many insights on how to take advantage of the new features. Professional MS Office lecturers at conferences I attend use the Missing Manual series to prep.

Good project book - 2009-05-10
Reviewer Rating:
This book has been invaluable in the completion of organizational and personal projects with Access 2007. Explanations are easily located for reference during actual programming. Examples and exercises are good learning tools. Use of "'s" contraction gets a little monotonous. Although usable as is, discussing Forms either right after Tables or right after Queries might have been more efficient for someone starting a project.

is is not always 's - 2009-09-13
Reviewer Rating:
The content of this book is great. The author knows his subject. BUT, I'd really like to have an electronic copy so I could change all 's to [space]is. It's difficult, and tiring, to read a book in which you have to keep trying to figure out if the author means possession or a verb.

His other books are the same. Too, bad! Good author, bad grammer.

Helped me tremendously - 2009-08-11
Reviewer Rating:
This book helped me tremendously. I had NO EXPERIENCE with access, and was put into the position of creating a database at work. I went through the training videos offered through work, and they were no help. I borrowed Access For Dummies, and that was marginally helpful, but with the MM I was able to design the database from scratch. I plan on ordering more from this series.

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