This book intends to transform the lay reader into an expert in Access 2003 from Microsoft. Toward this end, it explains the database concepts of tables, queries, forms, and reports step by step. This material is supported by a CD-ROM, which contains the examples that are analyzed in each chapter. The book is an evolution of a previous book [1] by the same authors. Instead of simply reprinting the book and adding some new chapters, they checked every screen shot and all of the examples to make sure they work in Access 2003. They also added new material on pivot tables and charts, data access pages, object dependencies, and file formats. The authors state that the book is for the “competent” Windows and Office user who has no experience with Access.

There are 21 chapters in four parts. The first part, “Introduction,” is comprised of only one chapter, explaining the intentions of the book and why readers should buy it.

The book really starts in the second part, “Getting Started.” The six chapters in this part cover tables, queries, forms, and reports, and try to make the reader feel comfortable with Access. I say “try” because if you use the CD-ROM, you will be a bit lost, because all of the examples are not from the same database. There is a lack of integration between the chapters in this part of the book; when you go from one example to the next, there is some difficulty in understanding your progress.

Part 3, “Creating Hand-crafted Databases,” is much more interesting and easier to understand than the previous part. If you are a true beginner, you will not follow the examples as easily as the authors intend. These chapters explore tables, queries, and the design of more complex forms, including data entry, types of form control, and how to get the most from the resources of Access in producing good and professional customized reports.

Part 4, “More Complex Databases,” is comprised of nine chapters, and teaches readers how to make multiple tables work together and how to form queries for retrieving data from these tables. The book ends with “Data Access Pages,” explaining how to create Web pages for viewing data that is stored in an Access or structured query language (SQL) server database.

This book is an excellent guide for intermediate readers; I do not think it is appropriate for novice database users. The CD-ROM is an excellent complement, but in some places, it makes understanding the material difficult.