Computer Learning Zone

Ever wished you could see how much time you spend working in different parts of your Microsoft Access database, but hate the idea of a constant ticking timer? In this episode, host Richard Rost from Access Learning Zone tackles a practical challenge: measuring the time a form stays open in Access, all without using a distracting or potentially problematic timer event. Learn how to use simple VBA a...

Wish you could access your Microsoft Access database from anywhere, not just the office? In this episode, Richard Rost explains how to host your Access database online using SQL Server, making it easy for remote employees, travelers, and multi-location teams to work together seamlessly. You will hear about the pros and cons of moving your data online, essential tips for security, performance, and...

Ever wondered why Microsoft Access is missing from the suite of Office apps available for Mac? In this episode, we dive into the history and reasons behind Microsoft's decision to keep Access Windows-only. Learn about the technical challenges that make porting Access to macOS far more complicated than Word or Excel, from its reliance on Windows-specific technologies like the Jet database engin...

Join Richard Rost from Computer Learning Zone as he marks America's 250th Independence Day with a blend of humor, thoughtful reflection, and quirky trivia. Discover the story behind the term "semi-quincentennial," find out why air conditioning and internet arguments are underappreciated American achievements, and laugh along as Richard shares tales of fireworks, anxious pups, and the...

Wish you could use your Microsoft Access data on your phone without overhauling your whole system? In this episode, Access instructor Richard Rost walks you through how to easily build a mobile-friendly front end for your existing Access database using Microsoft Power Apps and SQL Server. We talk about why moving your Access tables to SQL Server is the key to unlocking flexible, multi-platform acc...

If your business relies on Microsoft Access databases to keep things running smoothly, you cannot afford unexpected disruptions from Office updates. In this episode, Richard Rost from Access Learning Zone breaks down a recent update snafu that left many Access users scratching their heads - and potentially volunteering as guinea pigs for Microsoft without realizing it. Find out why some seemingly...

Ever felt overwhelmed by all the talk of first normal form, second normal form, and wondered if you need a computer science degree just to design a solid Microsoft Access database? You are not alone. This episode cuts through the academic lingo and focuses on practical, real-world advice for Access users who just want to build clean, efficient databases - without memorizing textbook rules. Host Ri...

Wish you could make one button in Microsoft Access do all your repetitive tasks, but do not want to become a programmer? This episode is for business users, managers, admins, and anyone who finds themselves doing the same thing over and over in Access. Host Richard Rost, drawing on decades of teaching experience, breaks down what macros are, how they differ from Excel's macros, and why they ar...

Ever wished you could easily undo past record changes in Microsoft Access, just like hitting Control Z in Word? In this episode, Richard Rost from AccessLearningZone.com dives into how undo and redo actually work within the Access environment. You will hear why Access's undo options are much more limited than in Word or Excel, and what really happens the moment a record gets saved. Richard ans...

Many Access developers think their databases are locked down, but are you making a classic mistake that leaves your data exposed? This episode dives into the real limitations of Microsoft Access security, why hiding navigation panes and disabling special keys are not true protection, and what Access can and cannot do to keep data safe. Host Richard Rost shares practical insights from years of work...

Heard the rumors that your Windows 11 computer might stop working on June 24th? Richard Rost from Windows Learning Zone breaks down the truth behind the headlines and explains what is (and is not) happening with Microsoft's secure boot updates and those expiring security certificates. Find out why most users have nothing to worry about, what secure boot actually does, and why you probably shou...

Is your Windows PC suddenly lagging after a recent update? You are not alone, and it might not be your hardware or drivers to blame. In this episode, Richard Rost from WindowsLearningZone.com shares his frustrating experience with a sudden performance drop after updating his Lenovo Legion laptop to Windows 11. Instead of the usual suspects like CPU, memory, or graphics drivers, the real issue turn...

Have you ever wished your users could decide how records are displayed in your Microsoft Access database? This episode dives into the practical techniques for building a user-controlled display order system inside Access. Richard Rost shares step-by-step insights on adding a custom sort field, handling automatic numbering for new items, and giving users the freedom to rearrange records to fit thei...

Ever run into headaches when you or your users accidentally open the same Access database more than once? This episode dives into a surprisingly common issue that pops up after you start using shortcuts to open your databases in separate Microsoft Access instances. While that technique keeps one locked-up database from taking down the others, it opens the door to another problem: people unwittingl...

Ever find yourself unsure about what you last changed in your Microsoft Access database? This episode dives into how you can quickly identify recently modified objects - tables, forms, queries, and reports - using some hidden features inside Access. Host Richard Rost explains why this is particularly handy for troubleshooting, backup recovery, or just remembering what you worked on before the week...

If you have ever struggled to find specific records in your Microsoft Access database, this episode is for you. Access instructor Richard Rost walks through the basics of building a simple query, showing how queries let you search, filter, and save custom views of your data for repeated use. We talk about what queries actually are (hint: they do not store data, just instructions), why using them m...

Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days, and developers are starting to ask some tough questions. Is AI just the next tool every developer needs to learn, or are there real ethical and environmental reasons to hit pause? In this episode, Richard dives into the practical realities and bigger questions around AI for developers, especially MS Access pros. You will hear a thoughtful discussio...

If you have ever wondered whether you should keep Name AutoCorrect enabled in your Microsoft Access databases, this episode is for you. Access veteran Richard Rost breaks down why this feature, despite its promising name, often causes confusion and hidden problems - especially as your databases grow more complex. You will learn how Name AutoCorrect is designed to help by updating dependent fields,...

Curious if Microsoft Access can truly handle your growing business data? In this episode, Access expert Richard Rost breaks down the official specifications and real-world limitations of Microsoft Access, including database size, user limits, number of tables and fields, and much more. Drawing on over 30 years of experience building Access databases, Richard shares where the published numbers actu...

Tired of tracking your passwords on sticky notes or spreadsheets? Learn how to design a practical password manager and generator right inside Microsoft Access. Host Richard Rost walks through creating a user-friendly form, using VBA to automate strong password creation, and handling visibility controls to keep your sensitive info safe from prying eyes. This episode covers the security limitations...

Choosing between tables and queries as the data source for your Microsoft Access forms and reports can have a big impact on how flexible and efficient your database becomes. In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions Access users face: when should you use a simple table, and when is it better to base your forms or reports on a query? We will discuss practical scenarios, clear u...

In Quick Queries #93, we discuss a common Microsoft Access SQL mistake that can break your queries even when the statement appears correct and walk through why a missing field name in SQL criteria causes unexpected results. We also address questions about opening Access databases in separate memory spaces, quirks in the new Form Zoom feature, usage of API code, issues with inactivity timers and po...

In this lesson, we will discuss the new form zooming feature in Microsoft Access, which allows you to zoom in and out on forms, tables, and queries for better readability. I will show you how to use the zoom controls, set default zoom levels, and explain which views and versions support this feature. We will also talk about update rollout issues, what to do if the feature does not appear after upd...

In this episode, we address the common "You cannot install the 64-bit version of Microsoft Access Database Engine" error, explain why 32-bit and 64-bit Microsoft Office component mismatches occur, and discuss several approaches to resolve the issue. We talk about options like extracting the database file, trying the 64-bit Access Runtime, updating older VBA code, reinstalling the correct...

In Quick Queries 92, we tackle the question: Is Microsoft Access still worth learning in 2026, and does it remain relevant for developers, consultants, and small business owners? I discuss Access's future, Windows' ongoing importance, and address privacy concerns. We will talk about naming confusion between form controls and variables, automating Excel imports, managing check boxes on cont...