Microsoft Access What is it, what is it for and what are the advantages of using this tool?

Microsoft Access it’s a database management system designed by microsoft in 1992. It is the successor to Embedded Basic and through it you can collect all kinds of information related to a certain matter or purpose.

A clear example of this is when you need track customer orders. Since its launch, there have been multiple updates.

Throughout this post, we will talk about what it is, what it is for, its main advantages and a list of the best alternative database tools to Access.

What is Microsoft Access and what is this Office tool for?

Microsoft Access is nothing more than a simple tool with which you can create different business applications from pre-made templates, or also from scratch. In this way, it is possible to design very attractive, intuitive applications with a very complete design in a short time.

Can be used by both beginners and advanced users. This means that it can be adapted to the needs of people. In case you require do a small projectyou will be able to do it without any problem and if you are an advanced user, you will also be able to run your project and enjoy its features more professionals.

As we mentioned before, in Access offers a series of templates with which you can put your database to work with a few clicks. If you have a more complex project and you are an expert on the subject, you can also enjoy the wizards that it includes or take advantage of its programation advance.

For example, you can program in VisualBasicwhich is included in Microsoft Access and with which you can give freedom to your imagination. Without a doubt, you will be able to scale your learning until you become an expert. In this program you will get a series of very useful tools for your database.

Next, we mention the most relevant:

• Boards: you can store data structured form.
• Queries: are used to extract filtered information from tables according to your needs.
• Forms: is it so linked to tables and are considered the friendliest part of a database. You can include text, buttons, images and much more.
• Reports: you may configure them according to your needs. In addition, you can add colors, graphics, modify the positions, etc.

What are the advantages of using Microsoft Access to manage your databases?

Access is a excellent tool to create your databases and manage them quickly and safely. One of the most interesting aspects is that adapts to the needs of each userregardless of whether you are an expert or not.

However, we want to summarize the main advantages you will get when using it:

• Is very Easy to use.
• It allows you manage databases.
• The business apps you design can be customized according to the needs of your company.
• Includes Visual Basic for Applicationsa tool with which you can automate business processes, create reports and forms, among others.
• You may integrate data between Access and line-of-business applications with your library of connectors Access.
• provides different tools to update existing recordsincluding data sheets, queries, forms, etc.
• Have a bug help system highly effective.

List of the best alternative database tools to Access

Apart from Microsoft Accessthere are many other database tools which you can make the most of. But not all of them are safe, so it is important to know all those that really be reliable.

Therefore, we will talk to you about the 3 best alternative database tools to Access:

LibreOffice Base

LibreOffice Basehas become known for imitating the programs of the package of microsoft-office but freely. Base is part of the LibreOffice suitewithin which is Write (text processor), calc (spreadsheet), Print (presentations), drawing (graphics), Math (formulas) Y Charts (creating charts).

With Libre Office it is possible both import how to export data to other applications suite room so you can create reports, graphs and much more.

You should keep in mind that this tool is a bit more complicated than Office and it doesn’t contain as many extra features. Nevertheless, it is 100% free and is compatible with computers Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.

In short, it has advantages such as:

• Available for different operating systems.
• Supports standard database interfaces JDBC and ODBC. Through them, it is possible to establish a connection with other databases.
• Also supports many database systemssuch as MySQL, MS Access, Adabas D, etc.

Download LibreOffice Base Windows

Download LibreOffice Base macOS

Download LibreOffice Base Linux

Discharge
QR code

LibreOffice Impress Remote

developer:
The Document Foundation

Price:
Free

Kexi

Kexi is an integrated tool of Calligra Suite. In general, it can be said that It is an office software which has design applications like a program for vector graphics editing, photo editing and more.

It comes integrated with other applications in the suite, such as stage (presentations), Plan (Projects management), words (text processor) Y sheets (spreadsheet). Despite not as feature rich as Accesswith Kexi you can run different database management tasks with very effective results. We recommend it in in case you should create address books, simple tables, product lists, among others.

Among its advantages, the following can be highlighted:

• Provides the ability to import files from MS Access and dBase.
• Supports other database servers such as dBase, MySQL, MS SQL Server, among others.

Download Kexi Windows

Glom

Last but not least, there is Glom. It is an open source software which is considered an effective alternative to Microsoft Access. It has a very friendly user interface, so it offers very useful functions. simple.

With the help of this, you can develop databases in very short periods of time. One of the biggest advantages of Glom is its solidity, because data can be consulted through the search function, as well as establishing relationships between them according to a specific series of criteria. We recommend it for small projects such as product lists, contact lists, etc. This is because it is not as complete as MSAccess.

Among its main advantages can be mentioned:

• Has a very friendly user interface.
• Ideal for small projects.
• Free.

Keep in mind that in the database management scope The only one reliable alternative to Microsoft Access is LibreOffice Base for the benefits it offers. With this tool you can practically all the actions included in Microsoft Access.

But in the case of Glom and Kexi, they are much more recommended for small projects. and it is best to use them in conjunction with another database system. The reason is that they solve the basic problems of management systems, but have limitations.

Download Glom Windows