MS Access Blog

Hello Everyone,

I am currently in Raleigh, NC attending my fraternity’s southern Regional Convention. What better weekend to have an assignment due, right!? During the convention, I scheduled some time to finish my database up my database project. I have had a lot of experience Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher), however, with Microsoft Access, was a completely different experience. I had to re-watch many of the lectures, as well as solicit the help of some of my peers.

Author: Idlette, Walter "Sheraton Hotel" Copyright 2011

Author: Idlette, Walter "Downtown Raleigh" Copyright 2011

I had always heard about the “powers” of Microsoft Access, but had never experienced it for myself. By simply watching the lectures, I could tell that this application was much more intricate. As I began working on the Assignment, all seemed well and fairly easy. The first thing I noticed that was some unusual about the assignment was that some of the information imported from the excel file, would be formatted incorrectly. At first I overlooked this, but later noticed that an error message appeared in my database. Although this was a very subtle way the professor could tell how much we studied the material, the purpose this function serves is amazing. Instead of having to type all of the data into MS access, or having to search row-by-row for each error, MS compiles a list of format errors, as well as, provides the user with a location where the errors can be fixed.

The part of the project I had the most trouble with was the QUERY ACTIVITY! Creating the expression to “show the individuals who left the gym within the past months” was very difficult. I leveraged all of my resources: the discussion board, Google, as well as, peers. Honestly, it took me about an hour to properly create the expression, and get the desired output. I originally thought that the formulas would be very similar to word. Although some of the characteristics were similar, MS Access has a

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/access-help/examples-of-query-criteria-HA010066611.aspx

Creating expressions are very beneficial, especially when there is a lot of data and it needs to be sorted or compiled. The expression keys allow the user to organize data in a manner that is easiest for the user to interpret. Lastly the form and the report activity were fairly easy to complete. The form function allows the user to input data through as many or little fields as wanted. The report function allows the user to compile and organize the data in a way that can easily be printed and interpreted.

Overall I think that this project was very helpful and eye opening. I have never really had to manipulate a large amount of data. I know that through this project, we only grazed the abilities of MS Access. I know this because as I Googled information, I found what seemed to be an endless about of information.

Avatar Experience

Today I decided to create an avatar. I have always wondered what the pupose of an avatar was! i thought that this was going to be an easy assignment, that would only take a few minutes, however, it took me almost two hours to complete. One of the reasons, is because you can customize and personalize you avatar so much.

I created my avatar through Meez.com. I was amazed by all of the features! First, I was given 2000 coins (I had no idea what this meant). Then I noticed that I was able to change a variety of features on my avatar, everything from hair and clothing to nose size and make up.

Additionally, there is something called Meex NAtion which allows me to interact and chat with other avatars and their users. We can also play games, as well as, post to discussion boards.

Overall, I think that creating an avatar was a great experience. It allows the user to express themselves in a creative manner!