recommend textbook that explains

A

Arri

I've been studying Access on and off now for a couple of years and I find it
exceedingly difficult because I can't figure out WHY things work the way they
do. It would be a lot easier if there were RULES instead of arbitrary fixes.
Could anyone recommend a published source that approaches Access from the
point of view of why it works the way it does? Thanks
 
A

Arvin Meyer [MVP]

There are 3 books which explain databases well especially from an Access
view:

Database Design for Mere Mortals by Michael J. Hernandez
Designing Effective Database Systems by Rebecca M. Riordan
Access Database Design & Programming by Steven Roman

Another great Access book that will help you with the HOW more than the WHY
is:

Microsoft Office Access 2003 by John L. Viescas
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access
 
T

Tom Wickerath

Hi Arri,

It would be helpful if you defined "WHY things work the way they do" and
"why it works the way it does". What are the "things" and what is "it" that
you need some help on?

Do you have a good understanding of database design & normalization? If not,
here are some links to get you started. Don't underestimate the importance
of gaining a good understanding of database design. Brew a good pot of tea
or coffee and enjoy reading!

http://www.datatexcg.com/Downloads/DatabaseDesignTips1997.pdf

http://www.datadynamicsnw.com/accesssig/downloads.htm
(See the last download titled "Understanding Normalization")

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=234208

http://support.microsoft.com/?id=289533


Tom

http://www.access.qbuilt.com/html/expert_contributors.html
__________________________________________

:

I've been studying Access on and off now for a couple of years and I find it
exceedingly difficult because I can't figure out WHY things work the way they
do. It would be a lot easier if there were RULES instead of arbitrary fixes.
Could anyone recommend a published source that approaches Access from the
point of view of why it works the way it does? Thanks
 
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