Access 2010 Getting Started in Access
Author: mety Labels:: Access 2010 Getting Started in Access
Access 2010
Getting Started in Access
Introduction
Whenever you're learning a new program, it's important to familiarize yourself with the program window and the tools within it. Working with Access is no different. Knowing your way around the Access environment will make learning and using Access much easier.
In this lesson, you will familiarize yourself with the Access environment, including the Ribbon, the Backstage view, the Navigation Pane, the Document Tabs bar, and the Record Navigation bar. You will also learn how to navigate with anavigation form, if your database includes one.
Throughout this course, we will be using a sample database. If you would like to follow along, download example and use it to follow the procedures demonstrated in this lesson. You will need to have Access 2010 installed on your computer in order to open the example.
Getting to Know Access 2010
Watch the video (4:07). Need help?
If you are familiar with Access 2007, then you will notice that there are not too many changes to the 2010 interface, other than the addition of the Backstage view.
However, if you are new to Access, you will first need to take some time to familiarize yourself with the Access environment.
Watch the video or review the interactive below to learn your way around Access 2010.
Working with Your Access Environment
The Ribbon and the Quick Access Toolbar are where you will find the commands you will use to do common tasks in Access. If you are familiar with Access 2007, you will find that the main difference in the Access 2010 Ribbon is that commands such as Open and Print are now housed in Backstage view.
The Ribbon
The Ribbon contains multiple tabs, each with several groups of commands. Some tabs, like Form Layout Toolsor Table Tools, may appear only when you are working with certain objects like forms or tables. These tabs are called contextual tabs, and are highlighted in a contrasting color to distinguish them from normal tabs.
The Ribbon in Access 2010To Minimize and Maximize the Ribbon:
The Ribbon is designed to be easy to use and responsive to your current task, but if you feel that it's taking up too much of your screen space, you can minimize it.
- Click the arrow in the upper-right corner of the Ribbon to minimize it.
Minimizing the Ribbon
- To maximize the Ribbon, click the arrow again.
When the Ribbon is minimized, you can make it reappear by clicking on a tab. However, the Ribbon will disappear again when you are not using it.
The Quick Access Toolbar
The Quick Access Toolbar is located above the Ribbon, and it lets you access common commands no matter which tab you are on. By default, it shows the Save, Undo, and Repeat commands. If you'd like, you cancustomize it by adding additional commands.
- Click the File tab.
Backstage view in Access 2010
- You can choose an option on the left side of the page.
- To get back to your database objects, just click any tab on the Ribbon.
Saving the current object with the Quick Access Toolbar
Note that the Save command only saves the current open object. In addition, the Undo command will not undo certain actions, like adding a record. Pay close attention to your information when using the Undocommand to make sure it has the desired effect.
Backstage View
Backstage view gives you various options for opening, saving, printing, and viewing more information about your database. It is similar to the Office Button Menu from Access 2007 or the File Menu from earlier versions of Access. However, unlike those menus, it is a full-page view, which makes it easier to work with.
To Get to Backstage View:
Use the interactive below to learn about the different things you can do in Backstage view.
