Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Microsoft® Office 2003

Chapter 27. Database Basics

In this chapter

• Taking a look at databases in general and Access in particular

• Starting a new database

• Working in the Access interface

• Accomplishing simple searches in a database

• Formatting fields in a database

Many people who are new to Office are not familiar with databases, which you can use to store, analyze, and retrieve information. You can use a database such as an Access database to keep track of all kinds of information.

This chapter explains the function a database plays and how Microsoft Access fits into the picture. By the end of the chapter, you should have a good understanding of databases and how to work in the Access interface to create and modify a database.

What Is a Database and Why Use One?

A database is ...