Access 97 [With *]

I used MOUS Essentials books for both the Access 97 and Excel 97 expert exams. They were really good for the exam preparation. I passed both exams on the first try. The PinPoint software that comes on the CD with the books is great practice for the exam. It enables you to get used to the same interaction as you have to use in the actual testing environment. I did experience a few "glitches" in the software, but the technical support was very helpful, and the overall practice that it gave me for the test far surpassed any little problems I might have experienced. I highly recommend the whole series of these books for anyone interested in taking any of the expert exams.

I had learned Access on my own using the three-volume Essentials series by these same authors, which I really liked. I got a copy of this book and went through the whole thing. Even though I am not really a computer whiz (and was really nervous), I took the test and passed it on the first try. Here's a hint: If you are using this book to prepare for the MOUS certification, you might want to spend a little extra time on attaching macros.

I found the book to be very good if you need to learn Access from the beginning or intermediate, and wants to sit down and follow the steps and work with the book. For teaching students/class, or as a self study it is a great book. But if you are interested in getting more technical information, "Inside Stuff" as the book sayes, you need another reference book. The book would have gotten 5 stars as a schoolbook if it had an extra page or two for each lesson about what you just learned really does (what happens behind the fancy window you created). I hope the Access 2000 version will have some of that :-)