Microsoft Access 

Microsoft Access is a database management system (DBMS) from Microsoft.

It is a member of the Microsoft Office suite of applications.

Access was first released as version 1.0 in November 1992. 

With the release of Access 2007, the database file format changed from the previous ".mdb" to ".accdb". 

Terminology

Database – A collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data

Database Management System – Software package that allows you to use a computer to create a database; add, change, and delete data in the database; sort the data in the database; retrieve data in the database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database

Record – Information about a single person, product, or event

Field – A specific piece of information within a record

File – A collection of records

Unique Identifier – Data will appear only in a single record in the table; no two fields will be assigned the same data (Primary Key)

A database is a collection of data that is stored in a computer system. Databases allow their users to enter, access, and analyze their data quickly and easily.

A query is a request for data results, for action on data, or for both. You can use a query to answer a simple question, to perform calculations, to combine data from different tables, or even to add, change, or delete table data.

A report is an object in Microsoft Access that is used to display and print your data in an organized manner. The Navigation Pane is where you can find all of the saved reports in the database. 

A form is a database object that you can use to create a user interface for a database application. A "bound" form is one that is directly connected to a data source such as a table or query, and can be used to enter, edit, or display data from that data source. 

Common Microsoft Access Data Types

What Types of Things Can I Do with Microsoft Access?

Access offers a variety of features for different database needs. You can use it to develop five general types of applications:

1.       Personal applications

2.       Small-business applications

3.       Departmental applications

4.       Corporation-wide applications

5.       Front-end applications for enterprise wide client/server databases

6.       Web applications

7.       Access as a development platform for personal applications