Computer Science 1300
Essential Computer Skills

December 3:  Second (and presumably last) Update now complete.  Now all you need to do is finish up the assignment and turn it in!
 

I would recommend doing two things prior to class on December 1:  (1) start up Access and create a new database using the Database Wizard.  You may choose any of a number of examples; if you only investigate one, the Music Collection database might be a good idea, as it is similar to what we will do for the lab.  When the Wizard asks whether you want sample data in the database, check the box that says "Yes, include sample data."  You can either accept the defaults for tables and fields, or modify them.  When the database has been completed, spend some time examining its various components.  (I would recommend minimizing the "Switchboard" window and examining the components of the database from the database window.  This window will have tabs for Tables, Queries, Forms, and Reports (along with Macros and Modules, which we won't worry about).  Spend some time investigating the tables, form, and reports.

(2) Think a little about items you might want to use in constructing a database.  The assignment will be to construct a database containing at least two tables, one of which must contain at least fifteen records.  You will need to decide what items you want to keep track of in the database, and which fields you will need to record information about these items.  So think about what items to record information about, and what fields you will want.  Obvious possibilities include books (fields might include date of publication, publisher, title, author, etc), CDs (fields might include title, artist, record label, etc), classes you have taken (fields might include course title, instructor, grade achieved, etc), and so on.  If possible, choose something which you would actually like to keep records about, so that the assignment can be more than an academic exercise.  In any case, you will want to put some thought into what sorts of information it would be useful to keep, and how the information might be organized.

First Update (December 1):  Details on the first part of the assignment.

The assignment will involve working with tables, forms, queries, and reports.  The first stage, which you should try to complete by Thursday, December 3, involves tables and forms.

Decide what items you want to keep track of in your database (as in item (2) above).  Then do the following.  (Note:  detailed instructions for accomplishing most of these tasks may be found in our text Easy Access 97, and the index is pretty good, so the book should be very helpful as you work through the assignment.)

I.  Construct (at least) one table.  (You may find that it will be more natural to use more than one.)  Requirements for the table:

• Don't use the Wizard:  design your own table.  Open Microsoft Access; at the opening menu select "Create a New Database Using:  Blank Database."  Select the Tables tab and press the "New" button.  Select "Design View."  (Don't use the Table Wizard!)
• at least 15 records
• at least 5 fields
• at least 2 numeric fields (one of these can be currency, if you wish)
• data types should be appropriately chosen (e.g. don't use "text" if you will be entering numeric values)
• field sizes should be appropriately chosen for their purpose (e.g. don't use a text field of 255 characters for a name; don't use a text field of 50 characters for an initial; don't use Single or Double if the field should only contain integer values, etc.)
• table should be well designed (e.g. fields should not combine items that you might want to sort by or search for separately)
• at least 1 text field
• at least 1 list box or combo box (it's OK to use the Lookup Wizard for this)
• at least 1 check box (you'll get this automatically if you select yes/no as your data type)
• a primary key (if you forget this one, the Office Assistant will probably remind you!)

• Since this form is to be usable for data entry into your table, it should contain all the fields from the table.
• For this one, it's OK to use the Form Wizard.  Which means you don't really need any more instructions!  (Although if you want to design the form from scratch, you're welcome to . . .)

December 3 addition:  Here's the remainder of the assignment.

III.  Construct 3 queries for your database.  Requirements:

• DON'T use any of the wizards in constructing your queries.
• the first query should use a conjunctive test -- that is, it should find records that satisfy BOTH of two requirements.
• the two requirements should have to do with different fields in your table -- e.g. if you have a book database with fields for author's last name and for price, you might construct a query that finds records for books written by authors whose last name starts with a letter earlier than "D" in the alphabet AND has a price of over $50.
• Save the first query as "And" (so I'll know which one it is!).
• the second query should use a disjunctive test -- that is, it should find records that satisfy EITHER of two requirements.
• as before, the two requirements should have to do with different fields of your table.
• save the second query as "Or".
• the third query should combine both sorts of search -- e.g. you might find records that satisfy (requirement 1 AND requirement 2) OR (requirement 3 AND requirement 4).
• save this third query as "Combined".

• Go ahead and use a wizard if you'd like.  Do anything you want to with the report!  It can contain all the information in your table or only some of it; it can have any look you want.  Don't print it up; just include it in the database.

• Save your database with your own name as the filename.  Then copy the database to the "lab 17" directory of our class folder.  All done!

Due:  Tuesday, December 8.