Known for being a database management program, Microsoft Access is designed to make it easier to use database-related web apps. Users can access them through SharePoint and select the type of template that they want. Once a template is chosen, Microsoft Access automatically creates a database structure, command interface and navigation. If the created template is not enough, users can add in new types of data and edit the template.
Features
In recent years, Microsoft has changed the program so that it is completely compatible with SharePoint. From the Welcome screen, users can easily make templates and collaborate with colleagues. All of the design features of Microsoft Access are designed to make it simple to collaborate online. It can also be used offline for local databases.
The changes to Microsoft Access now make it impossible to use Query designs like the pivot table and pivot chart. The Upsizing Wizard is gone as well. Many of these features were not used frequently in the 2010 version, so Microsoft decided to remove the tools instead of improving them.
The advantage that MS Access has over the free, file-based database management systems is, among other things, the long development period that the program has already undergone as part of the MS Office Suite. Even though only a few new features have been introduced in recent versions, the software has been constantly improved since its release. Free microsoft access 2017 download. Office Tools downloads - Microsoft Office Access by Microsoft and many more programs are available for instant and free download. Official Apache OpenOffice download page. Join the OpenOffice revolution, the free office productivity suite with over 300 million trusted downloads.
The current version has an interface that is similar to the older one, but it has a sleeker design. This new interface uses the hotkeys and toolbar for data creation. Ultimately, the look of the apps will depend entirely on the chosen template. The main tools included in the app are the form, query and table. Additional menus offer access to features within Access and SharePoint.
Microsoft Access is made to make it easy to share a database with co-workers, friends and colleagues. While online, users are connected to SkyDrive for easy file sharing and editing. When disconnected from the cloud, it can be challenging to edit data offline. Once the user reconnects to the cloud, they have to upload any changes for the database to adjust.
How It Works
Many of the templates on Microsoft Access look like Outlook.com. The entire app is color coordinated to make it easier to find notifications and key menus. Even when working on a complex project, the program functions quickly and smoothly. It can be opened in a default web browser like Chrome, Internet Explorer and FireFox.
Pros
- Access lets you use SharePoint
- Simple to use
- Templates are easy to create
- Database and form developer can be simply modified
- Excel and Access 2010 files are easy to import in Access 2013.
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Cons
- The Upsizing Wizard and some query designs are gone
- Does not scale for multiple users
- Limited third-party options
- Slows down when the database or files are too large
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- Does not focus extensively on traditional databases
At least 124,000 U.S. schools have closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an effort to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus, schools are pivoting to online education.
Unfortunately, about 3 million students do not have access to the internet at home due to high costs and gaps in availability. That leaves a large number of students without ways to further their education. School districts and some of the best internet providers are coming together to help connect students to their virtual classrooms.
During this crisis, internet providers are doing something unprecedented — offering free or discounted internet options for students and low-income households. We’re breaking down the big players and their resources for students.
AT&T
AT&T is partnering with participating K-12 schools and colleges to give free wireless data for 60 days, via school-issued 4G LTE tablets and hotspot devices. Most households who don’t have broadband internet service are within reach of these cellular signals.
AT&T also has a low-income internet program called Access from AT&T. New participants who qualify will receive two free months of service. Those who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), National School Lunch (NSLP) or Head Start programs or who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are eligible.
AT&T is available in 21 states, with its most expansive coverage in California, Texas, and Florida.
Xfinity (Comcast)
For university students specifically, Xfinity is offering new customers a prepaid Visa gift card with $150 (which covers roughly two months of service). The deal comes with free self-installation and no upfront fees. The gift card arrives a few weeks after you sign up and install, so you may need to pay for those two months upfront and will then be reimbursed. To participate, you will need to verify you’re a student by uploading some relevant documents, and you must be a new customer.
Xfinity is offering two free months of internet service for those who qualify for its Internet Essentials package. It’s a limited-income program for people who are eligible for public assistance like Medicaid, SSI, the NSLP, Housing Assistance, and others. Speeds will be also increased to 25 Mbps for anyone who has the Internet Essentials package.
Xfinity is the largest cable internet provider with a presence in 39 states. Its top serviced areas are Chicago, Denver, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, and San Jose.
Spectrum (Charter Communications)
Spectrum is offering one of the best deals: free broadband and WiFi (up to 100 Mbps) for 60 days to households with K-12 or college students who don’t currently have Spectrum service. Installation and prepayment fees are waived. Only new customers are eligible, and the deal is applied as a credit for the first two months of service.
Spectrum is available in 41 states, most concentrated in the cities of Austin, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Saint Louis, and San Antonio.
Optimum and Suddenlink (Altice)
Both Optimum and Suddenlink, under the same parent company, are offering new customers free internet for 60 days. Households with students (K-12 and college students) who don’t have home internet service are eligible for the Altice Advantage 30 Mbps broadband solution.
Optimum is available in just four states on the East Coast: Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Suddenlink services 20 states, mostly in the South — primarily Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana.
Cox Communications
Cox is offering a discounted starter package for $20 per month and 50 Mbps. Its internet service starter package is typically $30 for 10 Mbps, so that’s a pretty significant upgrade.
The company also has a low-income internet program, Connect2Compete. Cox is offering two months free ($10 per month after) and increasing speeds to 50 Mbps. Families with K-12 children who are eligible for NSLP, SNAP, and those who receive Tenant-Based Vouchers, Project-Based Vouchers or Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), or who live in Public Housing can apply.
Cox is available in 19 states, with the strongest coverage in Arizona, California, and Virginia.
In California, Google is working with the local government to set up 100,000 WiFi hotspots in rural households that will be free for three months. Google is also donating 4,000 Chromebooks to students.
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Schools are helping, too
Many schools are doing what they can to support online education for their students. Some districts are deploying WiFi-enabled school buses to park in different neighborhoods during the day to offer internet access to students in the area. Some school districts are partnering with cell phone providers to give students LTE-enabled tablets or laptops and mobile hotspots.
Students seeking internet access should check with their district, university, and local internet provider for resources available to them.