ACCESS

Database Basics

Definition and explanation

About.com has information about every human endeavor.

Here is a piece that introduces Access and databases in general:

"If you're searching for a more flexible data management system, a database might be just the salvation you're looking for.

What is a database? Quite simply, it's an organized collection of data. A database management system (DBMS) such as Access, FileMaker Pro, Oracle or SQL Server provides you with the software tools you need to organize that data in a flexible manner. It includes facilities to add, modify or delete data from the database, ask questions (or queries) about the data stored in the database and produce reports summarizing selected contents.

Microsoft Access provides users with one of the simplest and most flexible DBMS solutions on the market today. Regular users of Microsoft products will enjoy the familiar Windows "look and feel" as well as the tight integration with other Microsoft Office family products.