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Top 5 Microsoft Access 2003 Books for Beginners

By , About.com Guide

So, you'd like to learn more about Microsoft Access 2003 and you don't know where to begin. I've selected five of my favorite introductory-level Access books for your perusal. Follow the "Compare Prices" links for a competitive listing of prices at various web merchants.

1. Access 2003 for Windows Visual QuickStart Guide

Access 2003 Visual QuickStart
This book offers a great introduction to Microsoft Access for beginners who prefer to learn by example rather than reading user manuals. It provides over 110 illustrated examples of tasks ranging from the basics of navigating Microsoft Access to more advanced topics like working with Pivot Tables.

2. Microsoft Access 2003 Step by Step

Access 2003 Step by Step
Microsoft Press' foray into the world of Access tutorial books makes you wonder why they don't have the same team working on their product documentation. This book should be included in the box when you purchase Access. Unfortunately, it's not. Similar to the product above, this book offers and illustrated look at the program's features.
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3. Special Edition Using Microsoft Office Access 2003

This is my absolute favorite Access reference book. I've ranked it number three because it's 1300 pages are jam-packed with technical detail that might intimidate the beginner. However, if you're a brave soul looking for a book that will grow with you, Roger Jenning's book is the best choice.
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4. Microsoft Access 2003 Bible

Another 1200+ page tome that offers an amazingly complete reference to the entire Access product. This book is often used as a textbook in Access courses and it includes a free CD-ROM that enables you to easily follow along with the examples. There's also a 32-page QuickStart guide to get you up and running quickly.
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5. Access 2003 for Dummies

You don't have to be a dummy to appreciate John Kaufield's Access 2003 for Dummies. This book, written in the world-famous Dummies style provides readers with a gentle introduction to the world of databases and Microsoft Access. It's chock full of examples and sure to please the novice user.
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