I can t say if this is the 'best' way, but here is what I do: I have a table with three fields to store fundamental parameters
TblSystemVar
-VarName
-VarValue
-VarDescription
Depending on the practical use of these values, I can call them on will (Dlookup or other), or store them on starting into a global variable (rare) or even eventually put them on a hidden form. Advantage: you can allow easy manutention for whoever has administrator rights, without requiring specific knowledge of how the DB works nor access to the code or forms in edit mode. My 2 cents.