Looking for examples

  • Thread starter Thread starter BobC
  • Start date Start date
B

BobC

My brother has a insurance business that is currently using Paradox
(from Corel) as a database and report generating tool. The program(s)
were written by someone who is no longer available to support
troubleshooting or changes. He is considering on switching to MS
Access, mostly because it seems to be better documented and seems to be
more widely used. He asked me if I could help. I am familiar with
Excel and have used Access in one application in which I also used VB6
to do most of the work (basically an address on phone book application).
I get the impression that Access is probably suited to do most of the
work in a bookkeeping and reporting application. I enjoyed programming
VB6 and may consider using it if that helps.

I am looking to not reinvent all the wheels ... so am looking for
similar examples. The current Paradox routines use about 8-10
databases, 2-3 of which are for data entry. There are 4 or 5 scripts to
create the other databases, which are used primarily for some of the
8-10 various reports that are generated.

Suggestions Appreciated!
Bob
 
Bob,

Sounds like you are looking forward to learning a new tool
and Access is a great one. Does sound as well that you would
benefit from a bit of a study of how Access structures and
works with things. There are some sample databases included
with Access that should give you a good start if you do have
some experience. If you search your computer you will
probably find 'Northwind.mdb' which is one.

For example, a difference would be that Access just uses one
database file to store as many tables as you would like (
almost ). It acts as a container, while paradox probably
created a 'database' file for every table

Good luck and get back when you have some more specific
questions.

Gary Miller
Sisters, OR
 
Gary,

Thanks very much!
You are correct in you assumption about Paradox creating a database for
each table.
I was just reading a post in m.p.a.queries about using 'Group By' in a
SQL statement to sum on particular records ... I believe I am beginning
to see a faint glimmer in the distance :-) This could be a useful
learning experience!

I found 'Northwind.mdb'.
I am using Access 2000. Are there many enhancements or useful features
in the later versions?

Again, Thanks!
Bob
 
I am sure it will be a worthwhile learning experience. It
can be really fun to explore how much you can do with
Access. These newsgroups are an invaluable learning tool for
folk of all levels. M.p.a.tablesdesign would be a good one
to research as well. I like to read through 7 or 8 of them.

Yes, every version has some neat new stuff, but I still love
Access 97 as being a really dependable workhourse and the
best help resource of the lot. Sure don't need to upgrade
unless something that you really need is in the latest and
greatest.

Gary Miller
SIsters, OR
 
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