Microsoft Access 2021: Database Basics

Name: Microsoft Access 2021: Database Basics
Author: John Varan

Learn the basics of databases and how they work

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Course: On-Demand

Hello. Welcome to KnowledgeCity's course on Microsoft Access 2021 Beginner. My name is John Varon, and in these lessons you will learn about the basics of a database. In this lesson, I will show you what a traditional RDBMS is. RDBMS stands for Relational Database Management System, which is a specific kind of database. It is by far the most common and widely-used type of database in the world today. The concept has been around since 1970 and was invented by a computer scientist at IBM. A relational database is one based on the idea of how data relates to other data. Data in a relational database is stored in tables. Each table consists of rows and columns. At least one column is also defined as what's known as a key, which is used to uniquely identify that row. All of these rows, columns, and keys are used to relate various tables to each other. The value in one column could be related to a column in a different table, which could then have more information about that piece of data. For example, one table could hold information about cars, and one of the columns could be the manufacturer of the car. That manufacturer column could relate to another table of manufacturers, which could then hold more detailed information about that manufacturer, such as their address and contact information. There are also more complex relationships possible, like those that involve more than just two tables. A relational database works best for data that is structured and doesn't change very often. It is very accurate in how it stores and retrieves data. By contrast, a non-relational database doesn't use a structured format like a table to store data. It is best for very complex data structures or for large volumes of data. Queries for relational databases are written in a query language called SQL. It can also be pronounced sequel. SQL is widely used across different databases by different companies. Though some add extra custom commands and features, they all tend to support the same basic core language syntax. SQL provides the ability to read, add, update, and delete data. Sometimes this type of functionality is known as CRUD, C-R-U-D, which stands for create, read, update, and delete. A relational database management system is a client-server system that manages a relational database. Typically, the database exists on the server and then users and applications that use it are on multiple other clients. This separation allows for better performance, scalability, and improved security. It also makes it possible for multiple users to use and share the same database. But this kind of setup also has some downsides. It makes it not very well suited for use in small businesses or at home due to the need to have a separate server. This not only adds an extra cost, but also additional time and skill is needed to configure and maintain the server. While it is sometimes possible for both the client and server to run on the same computer, that still requires a fairly high-end computer and doesn't remove the added complexities of having to manage the server. Whether a client server setup is right for you depends on your needs, budget, and experience. Sometimes the best solution is one that bridges the gap between these two extremes. Thanks for watching. Stay tuned for the next lesson where I will show you how Microsoft Access is different from a traditional RDBMS.

Beginner Provider : John Varan 3 Lessons · 14m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

There are many types of database systems, with the most used database system being the relational database management system, also known as the RDBMS. But how does a database work? And what are the primary uses of a database? Is Microsoft Access 2021 a traditional relational database management system? While database systems may sound complicated at first, once you understand the fundamentals of database systems and database management, you will begin to better understand the functions, tools, and features offered by Microsoft Access 2021.

In Microsoft Access 2021: Database Basics, you will learn the difference between a relational database management system (RDBMS) and other database systems. You will also learn about the pros and cons of a relational database and what makes a relational database special. By the end of this course, you will have a solid understanding of the similarities and differences between Microsoft Access 2021 and a traditional relational database management system.

What You'll Learn

Describe how a database works and its primary uses
Understand what a relational database management system (RDBMS) is
Explain the similarities and differences between Microsoft Access 2021 and traditional relational databases
Identify the difference between an RDBMS and other database systems
Evaluate the pros and cons of a relational database and what makes it special

Key Takeaways

The most used database system is the relational database management system, also known as the RDBMS.
Understanding the fundamentals of database systems and database management helps clarify the functions, tools, and features offered by Microsoft Access 2021.
Relational databases have both pros and cons, and certain qualities make a relational database special.
By the end of the course, learners will understand the similarities and differences between Microsoft Access 2021 and a traditional relational database management system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I learn in Microsoft Access 2021: Database Basics?

You will learn how a database works, what a relational database is, and the similarities and differences between Microsoft Access 2021 and traditional relational database management systems. The course also covers the difference between an RDBMS and other database systems and the pros and cons of a relational database.

Does this course explain whether Microsoft Access 2021 is a traditional RDBMS?

Yes. The course examines how Access is different from a traditional RDBMS and helps you understand the similarities and differences between Microsoft Access 2021 and a traditional relational database management system.

What topics or lessons does this course cover?

The course includes lessons on what a traditional RDBMS is, how Access is different from a traditional RDBMS, and how a database works.

What skills does this course help me build?

It helps build skills in database management, database management systems, database systems, Microsoft Access, relational database management systems, and relational databases.