Help Learning Access, What Version

[accessnovice2013]

Hi,

I have used excel for quite a few years (if formulas, vlookups, some macros - but no VBA). But now I want to learn Access and SQL.

I was going to start with a book on Access, but which version of Access should I learn - 2003 or 2010?

Also, does it seem a logical progression to learn Access and then progress to learning SQL. Or should I learn Access, then a bit of VBA, then SQL?

I know none of this will be easy, but want to start on the right track. A lot of analytical jobs in respect of managing information say SQL is desirable, but presumably I need a solid understanding of creating databases first - just not sure where VBA comes in either, as this is sometimes needed for similar jobs.

Any help would be really appreciated.

 

[plog]

It depends on what you want to accomplish. Personally, I would pick a project (organizing your music, creating a contacts list, making a checking account tracker, or converting some of your spreadsheets to Access) and then work towards achieving it.

In general I wouldn't worry about what version of Access to use, I would concentrate on fundamentals. I would learn these in this order:

Normalization (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Database_normalization)
SQL (http://www.w3schools.com/sql/)
VBA


Normalization is the most important, especially coming from Excel. My experience on these forums is that the more of an Excel guru you are, the harder the move to Access is. There are just things you have to unlearn or train your mind to see in a different way when moving from spreadsheets to relational databases. Learning normalization is the key to working with databases.

 

[accessnovice2013]

Thanks for the reply - ill take what you said about working towards a project on board, which I guess well help the learning be meaningful and interesting.

Any advice on which version would be really helpful though as I want to buy one of the Dummies guides, but not sure whether to get 2003, 2010 or 2013...? i.e. is there any major disadvantage learning access, SQL and VBA all in respect of MS 2003?

Also, when learning from a book do you find a paperback or electronic version easier to work with - just wondering what would be the best type to buy, tablet version is a bit cheaper.

 

[plog]

Never used a book for Access--so many resources online. Like I said, I'd learn fundamentals and not worry about version. Get the latest one so its the most up to date.

 

[accessnovice2013]

Well I guess I should either purchase the 2013 version or stick with the 2003 one - is there much difference between them?

As for using a book, that's my preferred option to start with, as it is what I feel most comfortable with in respect of learning something new.

 

[jdraw]

I don't think there is significant difference between 2003 and 2013 to warrant purchase of 2013 (at least not at this time). If you are learning Access, then 2003 is more than adequate.
See this link for a similar request

http://www.access-programmers.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=254308

As for the order of learning things, I suggest you research database --as others have mentioned -- database principles, normalization, database design... before the intracacies/complexities of Access.

A common approach is some theory, some practical... on a problem/project of interest to you.

There are some good videos on youtube (there are also some that are questionable).

Good luck.