Overview

Microsoft Access is a relational database management system (RDBMS) for the desktop environment. The software is primarily designed for single users, but it provides many features found in large scale RDBMS applications such as Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle Database. Access offers visual tools for creating and populating databases and can import and export data in multiple formats. Unlike most other Microsoft Office applications, Access is only available for the Windows platform.

User Interface

The Access welcome screen provides options to create databases from scratch or from an existing template. After selecting a starting point, users can build a database using the Table Tools, Relationship Tools, and Form Design Tools. The Access interface is extensible, allowing custom add-ins to be installed.

Capabilities

One advantage of Access is the ability to manage databases visually within the desktop environment. From the initial blank database to the deployed version, Access provides a full set of tools for database management. For example, users can generate schemas, build input forms, and create reports without having to write any database code. Complete Access databases are encapsulated as .ACCDB files (or .MDB files for older versions), which can easily be transferred to other computers – something that is not easily accomplished with most large-scale RDBMS applications.

While Access is designed to be easy to use, it includes several advanced RDBMS features. For example, the program enforces relational schema constraints so that data integrity is maintained. It also provides locking mechanisms for database records, which allows concurrent reads and writes without dirty commits. Even though Access does not scale to the same number of concurrent users as larger RDBMS systems, it still can support a moderately-sized user base. The software also includes the ability to password-protect databases to prohibit unauthorized access.

User Community

Access is commonly used in small to mid-sized professional environments for tracking inventories, customer information, and other business-related data. Some organizations also use Access as the backend for database-driven Web applications. Because of Access' affordability and ease of use, home users can also use Access for tracking contacts or personal assets. Additionally, the Microsoft Office Access website has an online community, which allows users to share database templates.

Screenshots:

New Database	Table Tools	Relationship Tools
Form Design Tools	Report Design Tools	Visual Basic
Preferences	Add-ins	Open File Types

Features:

• Robust relational database management system (RDBMS) for the desktop environment
• Provides visual tools for managing database schemas, records, reports, queries, and input forms
• Provides pre-configured database templates and can use shared templates
• Supports importing and exporting several different data formats

System Requirements:

Windows

• Windows XP w/ SP3, Vista w/ SP1, or 7
• 500MHz processor
• 256MB RAM
• 2GB free disk space
• 1024x576 display