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We will be turning to relational databases in the next session,
so do these readings to prepare yourselves.

Preparations for relational database session

Read

In Access 2007: The Missing Manual, 1st Edition,
read 1. Creating Your First Database.

It wouldn't hurt to read

• the Wikipedia entry on Relational Databases for background
• and Microsoft's Database design basics
• If you would like a bit more audio-visual approach, try Microsoft's online Access training course

Read this linked article twice

1. Read it prior to the first relational database session so you will have an idea about why relational databases are useful.
2. Then read it again after the tables session and prior to the session about relationships

Although we will not get into relationships until the third relational database session, an understanding of how to decompose your task into related tables will help you decide how to create the tables you will later need to relate.

If you use a Mac, you have two choices to be able to use Access

Best choice: virtualization software

Good choice: virtual server support

Pick one choice and be ready with it by the next class session.

spreadsheets lab | next session