MOS Access
1 Introduction to Microsoft Access
1-1 Overview of Microsoft Access
1-2 Understanding the Access Interface
1-3 Navigating the Ribbon and Backstage View
1-4 Customizing the Quick Access Toolbar
2 Creating and Managing Databases
2-1 Creating a New Database
2-2 Opening and Closing Databases
2-3 Saving and Backing Up Databases
2-4 Converting Databases to Different Versions
2-5 Managing Database Properties
3 Designing Tables
3-1 Understanding Table Structure
3-2 Creating Tables Using Table Design View
3-3 Defining Fields and Data Types
3-4 Setting Field Properties
3-5 Creating Relationships Between Tables
3-6 Enforcing Referential Integrity
3-7 Using Lookup Fields
4 Entering and Managing Data
4-1 Entering Data in Tables
4-2 Editing and Deleting Records
4-3 Using Datasheets to Manage Data
4-4 Sorting and Filtering Data
4-5 Using Find and Replace
4-6 Importing and Exporting Data
5 Creating Queries
5-1 Understanding Query Types
5-2 Creating Select Queries
5-3 Using Query Design View
5-4 Adding Criteria to Queries
5-5 Creating Calculated Fields
5-6 Using Aggregate Functions
5-7 Creating Action Queries (Update, Delete, Append, Make-Table)
6 Designing Forms
6-1 Understanding Form Types
6-2 Creating Forms Using Form Wizard
6-3 Customizing Forms in Design View
6-4 Adding Controls to Forms
6-5 Formatting Forms
6-6 Using Form Properties
6-7 Creating Subforms
7 Creating Reports
7-1 Understanding Report Types
7-2 Creating Reports Using Report Wizard
7-3 Customizing Reports in Design View
7-4 Adding Controls to Reports
7-5 Formatting Reports
7-6 Using Report Properties
7-7 Grouping and Sorting Data in Reports
7-8 Adding Calculations and Totals
8 Working with Macros
8-1 Understanding Macros
8-2 Creating Basic Macros
8-3 Using Macro Actions
8-4 Debugging Macros
8-5 Using Conditional Logic in Macros
8-6 Assigning Macros to Events
9 Advanced Topics
9-1 Using SQL in Access
9-2 Creating and Using Modules
9-3 Understanding VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
9-4 Automating Tasks with VBA
9-5 Securing Access Databases
9-6 Optimizing Database Performance
9-7 Using Access with Other Office Applications
10 Final Project
10-1 Designing a Complete Database Solution
10-2 Implementing Tables, Queries, Forms, and Reports
10-3 Automating Tasks with Macros and VBA
10-4 Presenting the Final Project
10-5 Reviewing and Troubleshooting the Project
11 Certification Preparation
11-1 Understanding the Certification Exam Format
11-2 Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
11-3 Taking Practice Exams
11-4 Preparing for the Exam Environment
11-5 Tips for Success on the Exam Day
Creating Tables Using Table Design View in MOS Access

Creating Tables Using Table Design View in MOS Access

Key Concepts

1. Table Design View

Table Design View in Microsoft Access is a powerful tool that allows users to define and modify the structure of a table. This view provides a detailed interface where you can specify the fields, data types, and properties of each field in the table.

2. Fields and Data Types

Fields are the individual data points within a table. Each field has a specific data type that defines what kind of data it can store. Common data types in Access include Text, Number, Date/Time, and Yes/No.

3. Field Properties

Field properties are settings that define how a field behaves and is displayed. These properties include options like Field Size, Format, Input Mask, and Default Value. Properly configuring field properties ensures data integrity and usability.

Detailed Explanation

Step 1: Open Table Design View

To create a new table using Table Design View, follow these steps:

  1. Open Microsoft Access and create a new database or open an existing one.
  2. Click on the "Create" tab on the Ribbon.
  3. Select "Table Design" from the "Tables" group.

Step 2: Define Fields and Data Types

In Table Design View, you will see a grid where you can define the fields of your table. For each field, you need to specify:

  1. Field Name: A descriptive name for the field (e.g., "FirstName").
  2. Data Type: The type of data the field will store (e.g., Text, Number, Date/Time).

Step 3: Set Field Properties

After defining the fields, you can set various properties for each field. Common properties include:

  1. Field Size: Limits the number of characters for Text fields (e.g., 50 characters for "FirstName").
  2. Format: Defines how the data is displayed (e.g., "Short Date" for Date/Time fields).
  3. Input Mask: Specifies a pattern for data entry (e.g., "000-00-0000" for Social Security Numbers).
  4. Default Value: Sets a value that is automatically entered when a new record is added (e.g., "True" for a "IsActive" field).

Examples and Analogies

Think of Table Design View as the blueprint for a building. Just as an architect designs the layout and structure of a building, Table Design View allows you to design the layout and structure of your table. Each field is like a room in the building, and the data types and properties define how that room is used and what it contains.

For instance, if you are designing a table for storing employee information, you might create fields like "EmployeeID" (Number), "FirstName" (Text), "LastName" (Text), and "HireDate" (Date/Time). You could set the "Field Size" for "FirstName" and "LastName" to 50 characters, and the "Format" for "HireDate" to "Short Date" to ensure consistent data entry.

Conclusion

Creating tables using Table Design View in Microsoft Access is a fundamental skill for organizing and managing data. By understanding the key concepts of fields, data types, and field properties, you can design tables that are both functional and efficient. This structured approach ensures that your data is well-organized and easy to manage, enhancing your productivity and data management skills in MOS Access.