Database Read Me
Lesson Plan Database
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This database is a sample database. Its purpose is to display examples of commonly used features in Access. All features and architecture can be viewed by holding down the shift key as the database is started.
If you need help or have questions, contact Kari Farrell at ksfarrel@students.uiuc.edu
or
Basic Database Design Tips:
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Use paper and pencil to sketch out your database plans. First, consider your desired outcome. What type of information will you want in your database? How will you want it broken down? What type of reports are you interested in? These decisions will determine what fields and queries to add.
After you determine what it is that you want, plan your tables. BE EXPLICIT. It is better to have too many fields than too few. Create the fields in each table. Indicate the appropriate data type. For instance, when you are unsure of the length of a text entry, use the "Memo" data type instead of "Text" because "Text" limits the data entry to 255 characters (not very much!)
When in doubt, use the help files!
Useful features:
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Creating a combo box
When adding the field in design view, choose "Lookup Wizard" in the data type. The wizard will walk you through choosing the table and field that you want to look up. In the sample, the unit and class fields are both linked to tables of the same name.
Do not be concerned with entering the data in the lookup fields before you link it. Access automatically updates this information for you. To refresh the links, simply close the form or table in question and reopen it.
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Adding a command button to a form
Open the form in design mode. Open the toolbox toolbar. Click on the "command button" button. (It looks like a small grey rectangle.) The command button wizard will allow you to pick what the button will look like, and what command will be associated with the button. For instance, you can make a command button link to the "Find" feature, or open another form, or print.
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Editing the startup
To control the appearance of the database, and to add (a minimal amount of) security, choose Tools>Startup. You can choose a form to automatically open on startup, or you can create a switchboard.
To create a switchboard, choose Tools>Add-ins>Switchboard Manager. A wizard will appear that will help you build and edit your switchboard.
If you want the switchboard to open automatically when the database is started, be sure to choose the switchboard in Tools>Startup.
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