Databases
Microsoft Office Access 2003 Inside Out
Format: Paperback
Author: John L. Viescas
ReleaseDate: 27 August, 2003
Publisher: Microsoft Press
Rating:
Excellent In-Depth Resource 
If you need to go deep and want to have a paper-based book to do it with (versus online help/tutorals), this is the one to have on your desk. This book could not be more comprehensive. A chapter each week will help you me much more productive.
Not for beginners 
Yet he tries to take the reader from the ground up (inside out) through very detailed 1,298 pages. The author correctly states this should probably not be your first Microsoft Access book. It starts by defining what a database is (not required if you have taken Programming 101) and goes into fine detail on publishing databases on web pages (for advanced users). My main complaint about this book is that it does not get you started on even the most simple application without plowing through more than half the text. The author is just beginning to discuss the design of forms on page 685! A hard read, a month later I have made it to page 219.
Thorough but Dry
Topics are covered with more thoroughness which includes theory, reasons for doing things in a certain way and a better understanding of various possible parameters. There is no doubt that the Inside Out series from Microsoft is a much superior source for learning than the Step By Step Series. That necessarily equates to a bulkier tome but the information is worth the weight. Unfortunately, others can produce the information in a more inspired and interesting manner.
This book is thorough. Anyone wishing to learn about Access 2003 would be well served by its use. It comes with examples on disk and a well thought out sequential development that builds on previous lessons. The only problem is staying awake. The illustrations are plentiful but tend to be small and difficult to read but the correspond well to what actually appeared on my screen. That is often not the case. This is a good choice but there are better ones. I like this one mostly as a reference. There are better references out there too.
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