Do You Want to Learn Microsoft Access? Download the Northwind Sample Database

​Are you interested in learning Microsoft Access? Download the sample Northwind Access database. Microsoft built Northwind as a fully functional and fictional database, you can explore, test and learn about the following:

TABLES - Store your data in tables

In Microsoft Access tables are used to store information. Unlike spreadsheets, Access is a “relational database”. This means associated data sets can be linked together through table relationships with referential integrity, including cascade update and cascade delete.

Properly established referential integrity eliminates many problems experienced using spreadsheets for data storage. For example, very often spreadsheet applications must be reproduced for every reporting period. This is simply not necessary in a relational Access database with correct table relationships. Properly built table relationships make it possible to store information across reporting periods in the same database.

See the following diagram to explore Northwind tables and table relationships.

FORMS – Work with data through forms
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Most people refer to database forms as “screens”. Microsoft Access forms are a user’s connection to the data. Although it is possible to enter and edit information within database tables, this is not advisable. Forms are used to control how users see, work with and manage the data. See the following diagram for more information.

REPORTS – Microsoft Access has excellent report capabilities

You can find the Northwind reports by choosing reports in the left-hand navigation pane.
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It is possible to integrate reports into form functionality. This way end-users can get to the reports they want through their data interaction screens. To see an example of this, see the following diagram:

QUERIES – Analyze and search data with queries
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Microsoft Access queries allow you to work with raw data. Using queries, it is possible to create views of information from multiple tables. See the following diagram for details:

The suggestions included in this article give a good over-view of what you can find in Microsoft’s sample Northwind database. Suggestions listed above are merely a start. As you can see, Northwind includes many forms, reports and queries to explore. Microsoft Access is like any other Office application. You can build customized applications for your own needs, Northwind is only one example of how to use Access in a professional environment.

As you dig further into Nortwind, you’ll discover the Create menu bar. Check out the wizard tools for queries, forms and reports. Play with these wizards to learn about building your own queries, forms and reports.

Northwind is an excellent tool for acquainting yourself with Microsoft Access and its user-friendly data management capabilities. By exploring database objects like forms, reports and queries you will learn how Access is designed to manage information. By testing with create wizards, you will learn the basics of building an Access application for your own professional data.

If you’ve any other questions about the Northwind sample database do feel free to contact me.

For More Data Management Articles See:

• Using Microsoft Access for Data Evolution Projects
• Yes – Microsoft Access works in a Multi-User Environment
• YES – Microsoft Access Can be Used Securely
• Deploying Microsoft Access in a Remote Environment
• Why You Should Care about RAD and How It Impacts Your Bottom Line ....