Microsoft Access 2003 is a powerful, relational database software package that makes it easier for you to create and manage complex databases. With Access, you can create a database quickly from scratch or by using the Access database Wizard. Once you've created your database, Access provides all the tools you need to enter and manipulate data. Using Access, you can do the following:

· Quickly start a new database by using the Database Wizard.

· Create tables from scratch or by using a Wizard.

· Add and edit database information by using both tables and forms.

· Manipulate data in a number of tables by using queries and reports.

Maybe you picked this book up because you already know you want to learn about Access, Microsoft's user-friendly database for the Windows operating system. Or perhaps you know that you're drowning in a sea of information and vaguely think that Access might be the answer. Then again, maybe you just liked the cover. Whatever the reason, welcome! We think you've come to the right place.

As we said, Access is a database. What does that mean? You'll learn more in this book, but for now, think of Access as a handy place to store and organize things. You can store almost anything you please in an Access database:

· Your recipe collection

· Pictures of your pets

· The inventory records for your home-based business

· Birthdays and addresses of friends and relatives

· The author and title of every book you own

· Just about anything else you can think of

Databases are used by everyone from grandmothers to major corporations. If you've never used a database before, don't worry. Access is the friendliest and easiest-to-use database on the market today. If you can click a mouse and type, you can use Access.