CHAPTER 1
AN INTRODUCTION TO ACCESS 2010

Introduced in the early 1990s, Microsoft Access is a fully functional RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) that is one of the most powerful, and sought-after programs in the Microsoft Office suite of applications. Part of Microsoft Office 2010 Professional, Access provides both beginning and professional database developers alike a cost-effective way to leverage key database functionality with an easy-to-use graphical interface.

As of this writing, Microsoft allows you to download a free 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2010 from this site: http://www20.buyoffice.microsoft.com. Keep in mind that this is a really large download at almost 700 megabytes, so you’ll want to ensure you download it with a fast Internet connection such as with cable modem or DSL.