Access database

Robm1955

I use microsoft access at work, and have created quite a few databases. My daughter wants a database doing, and I said I would have a look at it for her. I thought I had Access, as part of my Microsoft Office trial version on my pc, which would do just to create a simple database, but I haven't. I've looked into OpenOffice, but can't get to grips with Base. After using Access for so long, it seems far too complicated. I've just looked at PC world, and to get Access would cost me £94. Does anyone know where I could get it cheaper, or is there a better 'free' alternative to OpenOffice? Even if I paid for the activation code on my pc, it doesn't include Access.

Mr_Toad

You only get Access with Microsoft Office Professional.

As you have found, you can buy it but at a cost.

You could go with something like MySQL but you have to write the code.

When you say that you use Access what to you mean? Do you only use the graphical interface or do you understand SQL and how to use it to populate and update data?

What is it about Base that you find complicated?

What sort of database is required? Some more info will help people understand what you're trying to do and enable them to offer better advice.

paddyrg

Ask your employer if you have a scheme where employees can buy cheap licenses - you may be able to get the latest and greatest version of the whole of Office for as little as £15

Robm1955

Mr_Toad wrote: »

You could go with something like MySQL but you have to write the code.

When you say that you use Access what to you mean? Do you only use the graphical interface or do you understand SQL and how to use it to populate and update data?

What is it about Base that you find complicated?

What sort of database is required? Some more info will help people understand what you're trying to do and enable them to offer better advice.

I have created databases using tables, forms, queries that are still in use by my company. I know some code, others I have picked up from more experienced users, and adapted to my needs.
I don't know SQL, and even creating a simple combo box in OpenOffice, is not as simple (IMHO) as in Access. You can't just type a list in, as you would in Access, you need another table to get the data from, then store the result in another table.

bob_a_builder

Ask your employer if you have a scheme where employees can buy cheap licenses

or maybe you are covered by this depending on who your employer is - office for £8.95

LINK

macman

I bought an old copy of MS Office Professional on eBay for about £20 last year for someone who just wanted Access to add to a new PC with Office Starter Edn included. Similar situation to yours. I just did a custom install of Access only.
Buying your software (or indeed hardware) at PCW is not very money-saving!
It was an XP edn, but runs fine on W7-you don't say what OS you are running?

pmartin86

Are you able to use the office out of hours to create the database? if so you would then only need the free MS Access Runtime to use it at home.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=10910

JohnB47

bob_a_builder wrote: »

or maybe you are covered by this depending on who your employer is - office for £8.95

LINK

Crikey, is this really legit? I work part time for the NHS and have an nhs email address - do you think I could get this? Seems too good to be true.

Lokolo

JohnB47 wrote: »

Crikey, is this really legit? I work part time for the NHS and have an nhs email address - do you think I could get this? Seems too good to be true.

Yes it is legitimate. But your employer has to be part of the program.

JohnB47

Lokolo wrote: »

Yes it is legitimate. But your employer has to be part of the program.

Ok I might go for it. If the nhs is not in the program I just won't get it so no harm in trying. Thanks.

bob_a_builder

Defo legit - colleague at work purchased via that link on Friday.

No harm any one who works for a large corporate or government dept etc trying - its validated by your email address - will either be accepted or rejected