Microsoft Access Vocabulary

Key Field

A field that contains unique information for each record, such as a customer number for a customer

Record

A group of related fields that describe a person, place, or thing

Template

A sample database provided within the Microsoft Access program

Datasheet

A spreadsheet-like view of fields and records

Query

Allows the user to select a subset of fields or records from one or more tables; queries are created when a user has a question about the data

Relational Database

An Access database with multiple tables that are linked together by a common field

Access Form

An easy-to-use data entry screen

Table

Contains all of the raw data within the database in a spreadsheet-like view; tables are linked with a common field to create a relational database, which minimizes redundant data

Field Names

Listed at the top of each column

One-To-Many Relationship

One record from one table is related to many records in the second table.

Form

Provides an easy-to-use data entry screen

Objects

The parts of an Access database that help you view, edit, manage, and analyze the data, such as tables, queries, forms, reports, macros, and modules

Relational Database Software

Used to manage data that is organized into lists, such as information about customers, products, vendors, employees, projects, or sales.

Table

A collection of records for a single subject

Database

A collection of tables associated with a general topic

Datasheet View

Displays the data in a table in a spreadsheet-like view of fields and records (datasheet)

Tables

Fundamental building blocks of a relational database because they store all of the information

Primary Key Field

Serves two important purposes: First, it contains data that uniquely identifies each record. No two records can have the exact same entry in the field designated as the primary keyfield. Secondly, it helps to relate one table to another in a one-to-many relationship.

Field

The smallest unit of data organization; consists of a specific category of data such as a costumer's name, city, state, or phone number

Report

provides a professional printout of data that can contain enhancements such as headers, footers, graphics, and calculations on groups of records