I think many people can create an Access database even if they aren't
familiar with that particular usage of the term "application". Most
people think of an application as something like Word or Excel.
Thinking of something created in Access as an "application" is non-
intuitive for most users. That is one of the beatiful things about
Access... it is accessible to people at all knowledge levels. I had
some pretty decent Access skills before I ran into the first use of
the term "application" for a front end (which, btw, is what I think
most people use when referring to Access apps.) But despite the
handicap of lack of terms, some of my Access dbs were pretty useful
and functional.
But I agree completely: the "Dummies" series is WONDERFUL. I used the
Access Programming for Dummies book (in Access 98... wow, I'm old)
frequently. Even for those with a good knowledge base and the
capability of making good databases can get good information from
these books.. and for newbies, I can imagine they're awesome....