Microsoft Access 2007 is a database management system designed to allow users to store, manipulate and retrieve information easily and quickly. Access 2007 is part of the Professional, Professional Plus, Enterprise and Ultimate versions of Microsoft Office 2007, or it can be purchased separately.

If you are a PC user and want to get to grips with Microsoft’s Access 2007 database as quickly and easily as possible, then this book is for you. No previous knowledge of database design is assumed.

The book deals with  the hardware you will need to run   Access 2007 and how to install it onto your system when using Vista or XP versions of Windows, you are then familiarised with the New Ribbon interface and the Access 2007 environment.

The main features of the package are then discussed by the use of a simple example database that you are encouraged to develop and modify as more advanced features are introduced.

There is  also  a complete listing of all keyboard shortcuts and a glossary.

This book is an indispensable companion to anyone using Access 2007 for the first time or has used an earlier version of Access. It will also act as  an invaluable reference long after you have mastered the program. 

To build your own computer is, actually, quite easy and does not require any special tools or skills. In fact all that it requires is a screwdriver, pliers and some small spanners rather than a soldering iron! The parts required to build a computer are freely available and relatively inexpensive.

Obviously, a little technical knowledge is needed in order to buy the most suitable components, to connect everything together correctly and to set up the finished PC ready for use.

This book will take you step-by-step through all the necessary procedures and is written in an easy to understand way. The latest hardware components are covered as is installing the Windows Vista operating system.

Among the many other topics covered are:

• Selecting  the right components.
• Simple anti-static precautions.
• Configuring the motherboard.
• Fitting the processor and memory modules.
• Fitting the PSU.
• Mechanical assembly and cabling.
• Dealing with the BIOS.
• Disc partitioning and formatting.
• The operating system.
• Troubleshooting.

Broadband has two main advantages over a ‘dial-up’ internet connection. Firstly, a tremendous increase in speed and, secondly, a permanent connection.

These advantages now make it a practical proposition for, say, two or three computers in the same house or office to share an internet connection via a simple wireless network. With a network in operation you can also share files and other hardware such as a printer.

The one draw back of a permanently-on internet connection is that it can make your computer more vulnerable to attacks from hackers. However, it is relatively easy to protect yourself by using appropriate hardware and software, but you must know what you are doing.

This invaluable book provides all the practical information you are likely to need to successfully set up a wireless network with a safe and secure Broadband internet connection and also shows you how to use this to its full advantage.

Similar principals apply when upgrading both laptops and desktop machines, although physical dissimilarities have to be considered.  Sometimes laptops have to be upgraded by using external devices.

The book opens with a general chapter on what is involved and then moves on to the more hands-on side of  things. For example how to get the case open, how to avoid problems with static electricity, how to remove and fit components and expansion cards, etc.

The book then considers  practical  upgrading by dealing with the individual component parts of the computer such as input devices, memory, processor, motherboard, BIOS, video, monitor, hard disc, CD/DVD drives and power supply, etc.

There is also a chapter on external drives as well as a chapter on network and Wi-Fi upgrades.

The final chapter deals with trouble shooting and what to do if things should go wrong. 

Now that you are familiar with your PC and have mastered the basics, it is now time to improve your skills and knowledge and see how much more it is possible to do on your computer. This book will gently guide you   through many of these tasks by the use of practical examples.

As the emphasis of this book is mainly on applications rather than the operating system, it applies both to PCs running Windows Vista or XP.

Some of the concepts in this book  that you will be introduced to are the uses of spreadsheets, charts and graphs (Excel), giving presentations (PowerPoint), maintaining a club membership list and printing and mailing a newsletter (Excel, Word and MailMerge) .

Many useful online activities are also covered as  is setting up a simple wireless network to share an internet connection and printer between two or more computers.

You are also shown how to keep your PC in optimum condition by carrying out simple housekeeping tasks.

This book will help you gain the confidence that will be needed to tackle more complex tasks on your computer in the future.