Access

AutoNumber data type

A data type that describes a unique sequential or random number assigned by Access as each record is entered and that is useful for data that has no distinct field that can be considered unique.

Report

A database object that summarizes the fields and records from a table or query in an easy-to-read format suitable for printing.

Blank desktop database

A database that has no data and has no database tools-you must create the data and tools as you need them; the database is stored on your computer or other storage device.

Property Sheet

A list of characteristic properties- for fields or controls on a form or report in which you can make precise changes to each property associated with the field or control.

First principle of good database design

A principle of good database design stating that data is organized in tables so that there is no redundant data.

Record

All of the categories of data pertaining to one person, place, event, thing, or idea; represented by a row in a database table.

Number data type

An Access data type that describes numbers that might be used in calculations.

DBMS

An acronym for database management system.

Simple select query

Another name for a select query.

Structure

In Access, the underlying design of a table, including field names, data types, descriptions, and field properties.

Redundant

In a database, information that is duplicated in a manner that indicates poor database design.

Primary key

The field in a table that uniquely identifies a record; for example, a Student ID number at a college.

Run

The process in which Access searches the records in the table(s) included in the query design, finds the records that match the specified criteria, and then displays the records in a datasheet; only the fields that have been included in the query design display.

Normalization

The process of applying design rules and principles to ensure that your database performs as expected.

Import

The process of copying data from another file, such as a Word table or an Excel workbook, into a separate file, such as an Access database.

Export

The process of copying data from one file into another file, such as an Access table into an Excel spreadsheet.

Record selector box

The small box at the left of a record in Datasheet view that, when clicked, selects the entire record.

Data source

The table or tables from which a query, form, or report retrieves its data.

Destination table

The table to which you import or append data.

Append

To add on to the end of an object; for example, to add records to the end of an existing table.

Source file

When importing a file, refers to the file being imported.

SharePoint

A Microsoft application used for setting up websites to share and manage documents.

Server

A computer that provides services on a network such as an emai l server or a file server.

Link

A connection to data in another file.

Object window

An area of the Access window that displays open objects, such as tables, queries, forms, or reports; by default, each object displays on its own tab.

Tables and Related Views

An arrangement in the Navigation Pane that groups objects by the table to which they are related.

Database

An organized collection of facts about people, events, things, or ideas related to a specific topic or purpose.

Field properties

Characteristics of a field that control how the field displays and how data can be entered in the field.

Information

Data that is organized in a useful manner.

Truncated

Refers to data that is cut off or shortened because the field or column is not wide enough to display all of the data or t he field size is too small to contain all of the data.

Query

A database object that retrieves specific data from one or more database objects-either tables or other queries-and then, in a single datasheet, displays only the data you specify.

Custom web app

A database that you can publish and share with others over the Internet.

Wizard

A feature in Microsoft Office that walks you step by step through a process.

Common field

A field in two or more tables that stores the same data.

Multiple-items form

A form that enables you to display or enter multiple records in a table.

Single-record form

A form that enables you to display or enter one record at a time in a table.

Table

A format for information that organizes and presents text and data in columns and rows; the foundation of a database.

Database template

A preformatted database that contains prebuilt tables, queries, forms, and reports that perform a specific task, such as tracking events.

Second principle of good database design

A principle stating that appropriate database techniques are used to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data as it is entered into the tabl e.

Caption

A property setting that displays a name for a field in a table, query, form, or report other than that listed as the field name.

Flat database

A simple database file that is not related or linked to any other collection of data.

Field

A single piece of information that is stored in every record; represented by a column in a database table.

Relational database

A sophisticated type of database that has multiple collections of data within the file that are related to one another.

Secure environment

A system that uses controlled servers to ensure the security and privacy of email, to control the storage and use of information and to protect against the loss of confidential data.

Select query

A type of Access query that retrieves (selects) data from one or more tables or queries, displaying the selected data in a datasheet; also known as a simple select query.

Best Fit

An Access command that adjusts the width of a column to accommodate the column's longest entry.

Currency data type

An Access data type that describes monetary values and numeric data that can be used in mathematical calculations involving values with one to four decimal places.

Short Text data type

An Access data type that describes text, a combination of text and numbers, or numbers t hat are not used in calculations, such as a Postal Code.

Form

An Access object you can use to enter new records into a table, edit or delete existing records in a table, or display existing records.

Design view

An Access view that displays the detailed structure of a table, query, form, or report. For forms and reports, may be the view in which some tasks must be performed, and only the controls, and not the data, display in this view.

Navigation area

An area at the bottom of the Access window that indicates the number of records in the table and contains controls in the form of arrows that you click to navigate among the records.

Navigation Pane

An area of the Access window that displays and organizes the names of the objects in a database; from here, you open objects for use.

Database management system (DBMS)

Database software that controls how related col lections of data are stored, organized, retrieved, and secured; also known as a DBMS.

Data

Facts about people, events, things, or ideas.

Object tab

In the object window, a tab that identifies the object and which enables you to make the open object active.

Layout view

The Access view in which you can make changes to a form or report while the object is open-the data from the underlying data source displays.

Form view

The Access view in which you can view records, but you cannot change the layout or design of the form.

Data sheet view

The Access view that displays data organized in columns and rows similar to an Excel worksheet.

Populate

The action of filling a database table with records.

Record selector bar

The bar at the left edge of a record when it is displayed in a form, and which is used to select an entire record.

Objects

The basic parts of a database that you create to store your data and to work with your data; for example, tables, queries, forms, and reports.

Data type

The characteristic that defines the kind of data that can be stored in a field, such as numbers, text, or dates.