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Rating: 
Summary: Complicated
Review: Every time Microsoft upgrades Access, I upgrade my Dummies reference. I started out with Access 2.0, never having used a database; Dummies for 2.0 taught me how to work inside the complex world of queries and reports that they used at that job site. When I changed jobs, I had Access 97 on my desktop, and my job description was to automate all the functions of the facilties and telecomm departments using it. I bought Dummies for 97, and built and deployed the seven interlinked department databases that they're STILL using at my old company to run those departmental functions. At my new job, once again, I'm automating all the office functions, only this time I'm setting up to capture data off the web, learning data access pages, etc. We have 2002 here. It doesn't matter how complicated a problem it is, I can always find how to START solving it somewhere in the simple language of Access for Dummies. And since I'm also teaching other people to work from the ground up in Access, Dummies is an invaluable resource for them to sit down and read, in clear, simple language, how this beast is supposed to work. I'd give this SIX starts if I could!
Rating: 
Summary: Indispensable
Review: Every time Microsoft upgrades Access, I upgrade my Dummies reference. I started out with Access 2.0, never having used a database; Dummies for 2.0 taught me how to work inside the complex world of queries and reports that they used at that job site. When I changed jobs, I had Access 97 on my desktop, and my job description was to automate all the functions of the facilties and telecomm departments using it. I bought Dummies for 97, and built and deployed the seven interlinked department databases that they're STILL using at my old company to run those departmental functions. At my new job, once again, I'm automating all the office functions, only this time I'm setting up to capture data off the web, learning data access pages, etc. We have 2002 here. It doesn't matter how complicated a problem it is, I can always find how to START solving it somewhere in the simple language of Access for Dummies. And since I'm also teaching other people to work from the ground up in Access, Dummies is an invaluable resource for them to sit down and read, in clear, simple language, how this beast is supposed to work. I'd give this SIX starts if I could!
Rating:
Summary: Complicated
Review: I bought this book because I've always been satisfied with the Dummies series. I consider myself fairly proficient with many of the MICROSOFT program (Word, Excel, Power Point), and I even took an Access class several years ago. With that in mind, I thought I'd have no problem picking up some of the basics of the program with the help of this book. Boy, was I wrong. The book is full "rules" in a list and directions that use vocabulary with which most new users of Access would be unfamiliar. I haven't finished it yet, but thus far, the author doesn't give you any opportunities to practice the information she's giving you. Any teacher knows that without doing something that you've been taught, you haven't really learned it. I remember years ago, even the manuals that came with the computers had exercises for readers to practice each newly taught skill. Here, in a book that's supposed to be teaching us a new and complex program, there are no opportunities to determine whether you've really understood a concept.
Besides this intrinsic flaw, another problem with the book is the author's continual cracking of corny jokes. I know it's supposed to entertain readers, but when you're confused and trying to figure out a concept in the chapter, those attempts at humor are just annoying. Don't buy this book. I don't have another one to recommend, but I can save you from a useless purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: Not useful at all
Review: I normally like the Dummies series of books, but even for a Dummies book, this was just far too elementary. The first 65 pages (4 chapters) are a complete waste, as they are written for people who have never used a computer before. As a whole, this book only teaches you about 5-10% of what Access can do - both overall and on each of the very few topics that it does touch upon. There are constant annoying references to how "nerdy" any relevant information is. Instead of explaining this "nerdy" info in an easy to understand matter (which I thought was the point of a Dummies book), the author just mentions that it exists, makes a bad joke about it, and then ignores it and moves on.
The truth is, if you're going to learn about databases (which is what Access is all about), then you'd better be ready to get a little "nerdy". Just like if you're going to learn about fixing cars, you'd better show up wearing jeans and expect to get dirty, otherwise, what's the point?! The author spends 7 out of 10 words making very bad jokes and showing the user how to do mundane things like how to use the file menu and how to save your project than offering anything useful. Even if you are a brand new Access user, this book would be useless for you. The only reason anyone would give this book a good review is if they just don't know anything about Access or how to use windows or any computer. I'm still searching for a useful beginner-to-intermediate manual for Access 2002.
Rating: 
Summary: Unbalanced
Review: It is a "Dummies" book after all and you can't expect it to have lasting value after you've outgrown it. However, many key tasks are introduced but the books lack of depth will make you looking for more. It doesn't come with a CD-ROM which would have been helpful in following the examples. Even the Cheat Sheet at the beginning of the book is too sparse and pretty useless. Also, some exercises start off and seem to end abruptly probably due to the lack of screen captures and lack of detail.
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