Access 2007: Getting Started
Overview
Microsoft Access is a database management system that helps you store, organize, and retrieve information. A database is a collection of records pertaining to a specific topic. Data in a relational database is organized in the form of related tables that contain linked fields. For example, you might store training class information in one table and attendee information in another and then use Course ID number as a field common to both tables.
When you start Access 2007 from the Start Menu or by double-clicking a shortcut to the application, a "Getting Started" screen is displayed. Here you can create a new database, open an existing database, or go to the Microsoft Office online site for additional information.
Create a new database
- There are a variety of templates available you can select. These are
ready-to-use databases that contain all the elements needed to perform
a particular task. For example, there are templates for tracking assets,
contacts, events, projects, tasks, and more. Simply select a category from
the list in the left column and then click the template's icon. Click the
or 
button
when prompted. Access creates and opens the database in Datasheet view.
A table is displayed ready for you to begin entering data. - If none of the templates fits your needs, you can create a database from
scratch. Verify "Featuring" is selected in the Template Categories
list. Click the
[Blank
Database] icon, check the suggested filename, and click .
Access creates the database; opens an empty table (named Table1)
in Datasheet view; and adds the name to the list under All
Tables in the Navigation
pane on the left side of your screen.
Open an existing database
- Click
[Microsoft
Office Button] and select "Open" from the pop-up menu. - Navigate to and select the database.
- Double-click to open the database in default mode, or single-click and
select an access mode from the
pop-up
menu. - Select the table to open from the list under All Tables.
Previous versions of Access handled buggy
code by displaying warning messages when you opened a database. However,
in Access 2007, all potentially unsafe macro actions and code are automatically
disabled. A brief security warning appears, and you can either click 
and
select Enable the content, or you can change the Access
options to eliminate the warning message. Refer to Security
Considerations and Guidance for Access 2007 for detailed information
on adding a trusted site.
Access Ribbon Overview
The Access Ribbon appears once you have created a new database or have opened an existing one. It has five tabs that contain the tools and options you need to work with your database. Following is a quick guide to the contents of these tabs.
| Tab Name | Groups of Tools & Options Available |
|---|---|
| Home | Views, Clipboard, Font, Rich Text, Records, Sort & Filter, and Find |
| Create | Tables, Forms, Report, and Other options (Query and Macro) |
| External Data | Import, Export, Collect Data, and SharePoint Lists |
| Acrobat | Create Adobe PDF, Create and Email, and Review and Comment |
| Datasheet | Views, Fields & Columns, Data Type & Formatting, and relationships |
Access Options
To view or modify the default preferences for Access, click [Microsoft
Office Button]. Click 
and
then select a category from the column at the left of the dialog box. A description
of the category is displayed along with options you can change.