Lesson 11

I think it is wonderful to be able to modify and create your own toolbar. As I use the same commands again and again, I can just click on a button rather than have to remember where it is in the menu structures. With all the toolbars that are available now, it's nice to be able to hide toolbars that aren't used often. Anything that has a standard button on a tool bar, can also be found in the menu.

Lesson 10

I think every database must have events! They be used for validation, ease of sharing data such as creating a report and emailing to the individuals affection, making sure the database integrity is maintained.

Lesson 9

DDE - What is this technology and what is it used for?
DDE stands for Dynamic Data Exchange. It allows for two applications that are running at the same time to share the same data. For example, Word and Excel can be open at the same time and Word containing a link to a chart in Excel. When the data in Excel changes, the Word document changes to reflect the current data.

Office Assistant
The first thing I learned is that I didn't have the Office assistant installed. The assistant can be hidden until needed. The assistant can be changed to other things from the paper clip. After typing in a question, the assistant retrieves data from the help menu and/or office online help. There are also tips and options to further customize the office assistant.

Documentation
There are several reasons for documentation.
1) To identify the purpose of the database.
2) To document how to use the database.
3) Document how the ER diagram was created and why. This would be handy for any future database modifications that are to be made.
4) How to run a report
5) How to export or import data
I'm sure there are many more reasons.

Lesson 8

Microsoft Graph is also referred to as Microsoft Chart. Is is a graphing program that is in Microsft Word and Microsoft Access. It allows you to view your data in spreadsheet and graph mode. It seems to be quite complicated and constantly changing. It also appears to be more flexible in that visual basic can be used to help control it.

Lesson 7

A subreport is a report that is attached to another report. For example, you could have a report of a Balance Sheet and then a subreport detailing the expenses in the Balance Sheet.

Lesson 6

A form is more effective for data entry because only the fields being modified are shown, validation criteria can be set for each field, have the ability to put graphics or text items, set a user friendly tab order, create drop down lists or combo boxes for data entry.

A bound object is "tied" to the record and changes as you navigate between records, for example, a picture of an employee. Disadvantage - If the bound object changes, it needs to be changed for every record. Advantage - Doesn't increase the size of the database.

An unbound record stays the same when navigating between records, for example, a business logo. Disadvantage - Not directly linked to any records. Advantage - When changed, to have to fix for every record.

Lesson 5

select *
from costs
where cost > 10
order by projects;

Lesson 4

I have a table that contains first name and last name in separate field. This is in case I need to sort by last name or use the first name as a salutation.

I created a calculation field combining First and Last with a space in the middle. This will cause reports to look better!

Lesson 3

What are indexes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of using indexes?

A. Indexes sort on certain field that you will be searching for. This enables quicker searches. A disadvantage might be that you can't index on an OLE field.

What is referential integrity and why is it important to your Access database?

A. Referential integrity helps prevent loose ends. In my database, there cannot be a Beginning Teacher without an assigned mentor.

Database Types

I was searching around the internet and found the www.databasecorner.com website. This gives a little information about a ton of databases! I've only heard about or used a handful of them. Provides for some interesting reading.

Access Help

I have found the Access help very easy to navigate in. I particularly like the templates and tutorials that are available on Microsoft Online. The templates might help with a quick start to a database!

Hello everyone! This is my first blog post! I guess I'll be learning what all the talk is about blogging!

I am taking this course since where I work, there are many related files in spreadsheets. I think they would benefit from a database.

More Later!