Book excerpt: Microsoft Access 2002 is a powerful, relational database software package that makes it easy to create and manage complex databases. With Access, users can create a database quickly from scratch or by using an Access database Wizard. Once the database is created, Access provides all the tools needed to enter and manipulate data. With the help of the Absolute Beginner's Guide, readers are able to quickly start a new database by using the Database Wizard, create tables from scratch or by using a Wizard, add and edit database information by using both tables and forms and manipulate data in a number of tables by using queries and reports. The book assumes absolutely no prior knowledge of the topic, and learning is easy because of the book's lighthearted but no-nonsense style. It serves as an excellent resource for users who are completely new to Access 2002 or who are upgrading from a previous version of the software.