Microsofta Office Access 2003 Inside Out

I am only one fourth way through the book. I am a doctor, not an IT professional and I wanted a book that teaches me database design from no knowledge to some sound base and as I go though the book, I am amazed. This book is really for the uninitiated and for the bigwigs in access as well. I got going to write the review by just reading the first few pages and I am sure this will turn out to be the final reference for all those seasoned access developers out there. John really does justice to his designation of "MVP" (Microsoft's Most Valuable Professional) in this book. He has been also very kind enough to help me out with designing my applications. I have one grouch though. I wish there was a book or maybe John would be kind enough to add another CD or section where he would leave a few practice applications for us to develop for ourselves and compare with his way of developing, this gives a hands on experience, which I find a must for novices like us. A MUST BUY I must say, if you really want to ACCESS your needs for database designa and Access!! Dr Alok Modi MD

The intended audience for this book isn't someone who just needs to use a Microsoft Access Database. Instead, this book is for someone who knows Access basics and understands databases and wants to create their own database - or perhaps their own application - including possibly using Visual Basic programming or macros. If this is you, then this book is GREAT! Doesn't bother you with the tiny details, but gives you what you need to get moving on your project, including how to prevent users from tinkering with your form design, how to fine tune your database/application using the performance analyzer, and other ideas to put together a high-quality database or application. (The reason why some reviewers have rated the book lower, is that they were probably outside the targeted audience, and the material was therefore less appropriate for them.)

As the review title says, this is a big book - one that is chockful of tips, examples and code (on the included CD) that will reveal the power and ease-of-use that Microsoft Access 2003 possesses. As another reviewer stated, the examples are not the same, old tired Northwind database but fresh and exciting looking examples created by the author. Everyone - from beginner to advanced users - will find something in this book. And the big plus is the SQL information in the book and on the CD.This book is well thought out, well written and, well, just a darn good buy. I don't think you can go wrong with this one. I know that I won't.

I've been looking forward to the release of this book because it's his first in the Microsoft Inside/Out series. I have all but 1 (the first book) of his books and find this one the best yet. He definitely lives up to the quality of the other books in the Inside/Out series.John's Access books are especially informative because he is the only one of the Access book authors that I've found that truly teaches SQL. His sample files are original, not the same old rehash of the Northwind sample database that comes with Access.

John has done a great job with this book. It is in plain language that a beginner in Access would be able to understand. It includes lots of screen shots and descriptions of why things need to be done the recommended way. It also has good technical detail for the more advanced user. Following the procedures in this book will definitely improve your database application.