MOS Access Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019)
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
1-5 Using the Tell Me feature
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 between file formats
2-5 Managing database properties
3 Designing Tables
3-1 Understanding table structure
3-2 Creating tables using table design view
3-3 Defining field properties
3-4 Setting primary keys
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 into tables
4-2 Editing and deleting records
4-3 Using data entry forms
4-4 Sorting and filtering data
4-5 Using validation rules and messages
4-6 Importing and exporting data
5 Creating and Customizing Forms
5-1 Understanding forms
5-2 Creating forms using the Form Wizard
5-3 Customizing form layout
5-4 Adding controls to forms
5-5 Setting control properties
5-6 Using form views (Form View, Layout View, Design View)
5-7 Creating subforms
6 Creating and Customizing Reports
6-1 Understanding reports
6-2 Creating reports using the Report Wizard
6-3 Customizing report layout
6-4 Adding controls to reports
6-5 Setting control properties
6-6 Using report views (Report View, Layout View, Design View)
6-7 Grouping and summarizing data in reports
6-8 Printing and exporting reports
7 Querying Data
7-1 Understanding queries
7-2 Creating queries using the Query Wizard
7-3 Using query design view
7-4 Adding fields to queries
7-5 Using criteria and operators
7-6 Sorting and grouping query results
7-7 Creating calculated fields
7-8 Using aggregate functions
7-9 Creating and using parameter queries
7-10 Creating and using crosstab queries
8 Macros and Automation
8-1 Understanding macros
8-2 Creating and editing macros
8-3 Using macro actions
8-4 Assigning macros to events
8-5 Debugging macros
8-6 Understanding VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
8-7 Writing simple VBA procedures
9 Securing and Sharing Databases
9-1 Setting database passwords
9-2 Encrypting databases
9-3 Managing user-level security
9-4 Sharing databases with others
9-5 Using SharePoint and OneDrive for data storage
9-6 Collaborating with others in real-time
10 Maintaining and Optimizing Databases
10-1 Compact and repair databases
10-2 Analyzing and optimizing database performance
10-3 Using the Database Documenter
10-4 Managing database objects
10-5 Backing up and restoring databases
10-6 Migrating databases to newer versions of Access
Understanding Queries in Microsoft Access

Understanding Queries in Microsoft Access

Key Concepts

Understanding queries in Microsoft Access involves grasping the following key concepts:

Queries

Queries are used to retrieve, filter, and manipulate data from one or more tables in a database. They allow users to ask specific questions about the data and get answers in the form of a result set. Queries can be used to perform various operations such as selecting records, updating data, and creating new tables.

Query Types

There are several types of queries in Microsoft Access, each serving a different purpose:

Query Design View

Query Design View is the interface where users can create and modify queries. It allows users to visually design queries by selecting fields, setting criteria, and specifying sorting orders. The Design View provides a graphical representation of the query, making it easier to understand and modify.

Criteria

Criteria are conditions used to filter the data in a query. They determine which records are included in the result set. Criteria can be based on text, numbers, dates, or logical operators. Proper use of criteria ensures that the query returns only the relevant data.

Calculations

Calculations in queries allow users to perform mathematical operations on the data. This includes summing, averaging, counting, and finding minimum and maximum values. Calculations can be used to derive new fields or summarize data in the result set.

Joins

Joins are used to combine data from two or more tables based on a related column. There are different types of joins, including inner joins, left joins, and right joins. Proper use of joins ensures that the query retrieves data from multiple tables in a meaningful way.

Parameters

Parameters allow users to input values dynamically when running a query. This makes the query more flexible and reusable. Parameters can be used to filter data based on user input, such as a date range or a specific customer name.

Examples and Analogies

Think of a query as a search engine for your database. Just as a search engine retrieves web pages based on keywords, a query retrieves records from tables based on specified criteria. For example, a query to find all orders placed in the last month is like searching for recent news articles.

Another analogy is a recipe. Just as a recipe combines ingredients in specific ways to create a dish, a query combines fields and tables to produce a result set. The criteria are like the instructions that guide the process, ensuring that the final dish (or result set) meets the desired specifications.

Conclusion

Understanding queries in Microsoft Access is essential for effectively retrieving and manipulating data. By grasping the key concepts of queries, query types, Query Design View, criteria, calculations, joins, and parameters, you can create powerful and flexible queries that meet your specific needs.