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Lesson 1: Exploring Access 2007

Lesson ObjectivesAfter studying this lesson, you will be able to:

Define what a database is

Identify the types of objects modern databases contain

Launch Access 2007 and identify elements of the application window

Open a database and use the Navigation Pane

Open database objects, navigate within database objects, and close the objects

Close a database properly and exit Access 2007

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Defining Access DatabasesWhat is a database?

A collection of related data stored together in one electronic file

Database StructuresFlat files

Object-orientedfiles

Repetitive data

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Launching Access 2007Same basic procedures used to launch other computer programs

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Exploring the Access Environment

Recently used database list

Lists of templates

Create a new blank database

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Opening a DatabaseSame basic procedures used to open files in other computer programs

Enabling content to control security

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Identifying Elements of the Access Window

Status bar

Ribbon tabs

Navigation Pane

Shutter bar Open/Close button

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Object TypesAccess 2007 databases contain four basic types of objects:

Tables – hold the data

Queries – search the table data

Forms – input the table data

Reports – report the table data as meaningful information

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Object TypesEach object type is represented by a different icon

Tables:

Queries:

Forms:

Reports:

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Using the Navigation PaneShutter button opens and closes the pane

Organization appears in the pane banner

Pane banner menu button ▼ displays the Navigation Pane menu

Choose a different organization from the pane menu

Expand and collapse buttons to show/hide each object list

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Opening, Navigating, and Closing Database Objects

Each database object is listed on the Navigation Pane

To open any object, double-click the object name

Default setting for Access 2007 displays each object as a separate tabbed page in the Access window work area

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Working with Tabbed ObjectsTo switch from one object to another, click the tabs

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Navigating DatasheetsTables and queries display in a row and column layout called a datasheet

Datasheet resembles an Excel spreadsheet

To move from column to column, press Tab or Enter or click the cell

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Using Navigation Tools

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Return to the FastCourse Access 2007 Level 1 book page

Lesson 1: Exploring Access 2007