zandax online course logo
 
 
 
 
zandax 10 year anniversary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home   >  ZandaX Blogs   >  Business Blog   >  Microsoft Software Articles   > 
Access 2010 New Features

Access 2010 New Features

 
Improving your Microsoft software skills
What's new in Access 2010? Click to read the ZandaX Training quick guide to the new features in Microsoft Access 2010.
 
Article author: Jordan James
      Written by Jordan James
       (2-minute read)
Although the visual appearance of Access has not changed significantly with the 2010 version, there are a number of changes which enhance usability and functionality of the software.

Welcome to the Backstage View

There was a huge shift with Office 2007 in the way that the menus operated. This has been enhanced going into Office 2010 and Access. However, due to user group pressures from Office 2007 when the File menu disappeared, it is back again in Office 2010 - although the area is now known as the Backstage View.

It encompasses the usual things like Save, Save As, Open, Print, Help and Exit are also close by. The settings are located here too on the Options button, and he Recent function allows you to pin previously used files and folders.

Backstage view in MS Access

A New Macro Builder Tool

Macros are not easy to master at the best of times, and Access isn't known to be the most user friendly of animals when it comes to these. So an overhaul of how it creates and uses macros was probably well overdue.

The new tool is very useful because it shows you graphically what to do and how to setup your Macros. Although there is still a steep learning curve with what macros can do for you and how they work, it's a more pleasant environment in which to learn.

Sub Macros can be set up easily inside the parent macro and sections can be expanded and collapsed as needed.

A New Macro Builder Tool in Access

Application Parts

When building a database, many parts are needed to make the whole system. In Access 2010 we now have a selection of ready-made parts that will get you started with your database.

These parts cover Forms, Tables and Reports, depending on what you are currently creating. They also create all the associated elements you need to get things working quickly.

For example, if I need a basic Contact Form it creates the table, the form and other objects required:

Access Parts

Exporting to PDF and XPS

In Access 2010 you can now export data to a PDF or XPS format ready for printing or emailing. In 2007 it required an add in to do this but it's built into Office 2010 products directly.

PDF (or Portable Document Format) has become the standard format for documents across the Internet and most users have some form of reader to be able to look at PDF files.

this is great as not everyone has MS Access installed on their machines to open database files. And of course you may not want other people to edit your data and change the database objects directly. They can look and print off the data via the PDF files.

XPS was the Microsoft equivalent of the PDF format, with its own little viewer program installed as part of Office, which shows you your files and has basic facilities to zoom and print. It didn't really take off and Adobe's PDF format still rules the roost!

Our Verdict

Although some of the features seem small, even insignificant, on their own, by putting them all together we think it has enhanced the enjoyment in using Access and taken away some of the frustration around key areas such as Macros, Form and Report design. It has also made operation of the software easier and quicker when compared to older versions of Access.

More Articles on Microsoft Software

Version History of Microsoft Word
Version History of Microsoft Word
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Read about the different versions of Microsoft Word, from Activia Training, providers of flexible, cost effective Word training courses.
[ close ]
10 Ways Excel Pivot Tables can help you.
10 Ways Excel Pivot Tables can help you.
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Pivot Tables are extremely useful in analysing data and seeing how its linked. This looks at 10 ways to use Pivot Tables properly.
[ close ]
How to Highlight Data in Different Colors in Microsoft Word
How to Highlight Data in Different Colors in Microsoft Word
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to highlight data in different colors in Word with this guide on the ZandaX website.
[ close ]
How to Add Special Characters in Word with Keyboard
How to Add Special Characters in Word with Keyboard
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Find out how to add special characters, such as the trademark and copyright symbols in Microsoft Word, using the keyboard.
[ close ]
Enhancing Legal Operations: The Power of Microsoft Integration
Enhancing Legal Operations: The Power of Microsoft Integration
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
With greater efficiency needed by corporate legal operations, this article looks into the advantages and applications of Microsoft integration.
[ close ]
Simplify Microsoft Excel with the Right Training Course
Simplify Microsoft Excel with the Right Training Course
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
You can play around with Microsoft Excel for hours, and still get nowhere! Here, we give you tips on how to find a training course to help
[ close ]
Our Course Of The Month – Microsoft Project
Our Course Of The Month – Microsoft Project
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
The course of the month this month is Microsoft Project. As a project manager, are you using the tools that are available to you?
[ close ]
What Is Microsoft Visio Used For?
What Is Microsoft Visio Used For?
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Microsoft Visio can be used for a lot more than people realise. Popular uses include creating organisation charts, floor plans and timelines
[ close ]
7 Reasons Why You Should Learn How to Use Excel
7 Reasons Why You Should Learn How to Use Excel
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
The Article shows how to boost productivity with Excel, Improve Quality of Work, Versatility, You will become a God in the Office!
[ close ]
What are Macros used for in Excel?
What are Macros used for in Excel?
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Macros in Excel are incredibly powerful tools that can provide the user with large benefits. This article looks at what macros are for.
[ close ]
How to Use Format Painter in Excel for Multiple Cells
How to Use Format Painter in Excel for Multiple Cells
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to copy formats from one cell to another using the Format Painter tool in Excel, with this tutorial from Activia Training.
[ close ]
How To Use Animation Triggers In PowerPoint
How To Use Animation Triggers In PowerPoint
Jordan James
Author: Jordan James
About the article
Summary
Learn how to use animation triggers in Microsoft PowerPoint from this tutorial from Activia Training.
[ close ]
 

Write for us on the ZandaX blog

We're always looking for guest contributors to increase the variety and diversity of what we present.

Click to see how you can write for us:

 

The ZandaX Business Skills blog categories

Click a panel to visit the main category pages for the blog
Career Success
Career Success
Marketing
Marketing
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Customer Service
Customer Service
Microsoft Software
Microsoft Software
[ This category ]

ZandaX Blog Contents

Want to see them all? Click to view a full list of articles in our blogs.

 
zandax online courses logo
"ZandaX courses are such great value, and with the help and support they give, there's no better option in the market"
ZandaX LinkedIn logo
ZandaX YouTube logo
ZandaX FaceBook logo
Course Categories
 
All content © ZandaX 2024