could some one give ma a 1-line executive summary explaining why i should
use a switchboard over a simple form with command buttons... (or direct me
to where i might find a discussion)... (i'm perplexed, and coming up
blank)
Actually, your question should be why use a FORM OVER that of a switchboard.
The switch board is used because it is there!!!
So, I guess the reason to use a switch board is that if you don't have the
skill, or time to build your own forms, then you use the switch board.
So, perhaps the advantage of the switchboard is that you can get better
results with less skill.
As you learn more, then you likely will well come up with your own better
interface.
to be honest, I do still have a few applications (7 or more years old) when
I first started using ms-access. It has been a considerable amount of time
since I used one, but really, nothing wrong with using them.
I tend to build a nice main form, and also use custom menus.
So, a *nice* way to build your application is to simple built it like all
other windows applications,and that means using menus. Here is some screens
shots of application where I don't use the switch board..
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/Articles/UseAbility/UserFriendly.htm
So, if you looking for a reason to use the switchboard? Well, it is quick
and easy to use. However, I think after you spend any amount of time in
ms-access, you will quickly grow beyond them, and come up with something
better on your own....
For example, you can have a switch that has some reports on it. However, you
can WELL build your own report forms that DO NOT requite you to actually
modify the form to add new reports. There is bunch of screen shots here of
my report screens, and you can often that I use a listbox for displaying a
list of reports (so, adding new reports means I don't have to modify the
forms).
http://www.members.shaw.ca/AlbertKallal/ridesrpt/ridesrpt.html