From Mike Chapple,
Your Guide to Databases.
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Are you new to the world of databases? Wondering where to get started? In this series of articles, we introduce you to the basics of database technology and help you get started in this exciting field.

Introduction to Databases

Begin with these articles to learn the fundamental concepts behind databases:

• What is a Database? introduces databases, tables, columns and rows
• Database Software Options explains the differences between desktop databases (such as Microsoft Access and Filemaker Pro) and server databases (such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle, and MySQL
• Database Keys helps you select appropriate primary keys and foreign keys for your database tables

Working with Microsoft Access

Microsoft Access is one of the most popular database platforms on the market today. This series of articles helps you get started with Access. You can learn how to:

• Purchase Access independently or as part of the Microsoft Office suite
• Install Access 2007
• Learn about Access file formats
• Access 2007 User Interface Tour
• Convert older Access databases to Access 2007
• Convert Excel spreadsheets into Access databases
• Build a database from a template
• Use Expression Builder
• Encrypt your Access database

SQL Databases

If you’re working with the Structured Query Language (SQL), you’ll want to read these articles:

• SQL Basics introduces the Structured Query Language and explains the basics of the Data Definition Language (DDL) and the Data Manipulation Language (DML)
• Once you’ve conquered the basics, our four-part SQL Fundamentals series teaches you how to use the Create, Use, Alter, and Drop commands (part 2); the Insert, Select, Update and Delete commands (part 3) and the power of the Join statement (part 4)