I would like to agree with Jim here. I've using both Excel and Access for about 10 years, and consider myself to be pretty darn proficient at both. I currently develop audit tracking systems and use extremely complex calculations. I have never had a calculation I couldn't use in Access. -----Original Message----- From: mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Jim Pettit Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 8:07 AM To: mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [mso] Re: Database or Spreadsheet Linda-- With all due respect, please forgive my intransigent defense. But when you state , "...if you want a spreadsheet with advanced mathematical calculations and charts, Excel leaves Access in the dust.", or "Excel is much better at advanced mathematical calculations", you're stepping on my toes. ;-) I'm an Access 'expert' (whatever that means), and I've *never* seen a mathematical calculation that it couldn't handle. Certainly Access is overkill for most people who need an application in which to store, linear, single-table, flat-file data. And for running quick-and-dirty 'what-if' scenarios, I don't think Excel can be beat, either. But, as you yourself pointed out, for relational data storage, or most any sophisticated application back-end, Access (or, you know, some other database) is the way to go. Microsoft included Access in its Office suite for a reason, you know, and it wasn't just because that little key icon is so darn cute. ;-) --Jim -----Original Message----- From: mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Linda F. Johnson Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 5:41 AM To: mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [mso] Re: Database or Spreadsheet Hi Peter....being someone who teaches both Excel and Access I think I can tell you some of the differences....basically Excel is VERY good if you want a flat database (all information in one table)...if that's all you need, then Access is probably overkill for the average user....however, when you need a relational database, Excel can't cut it. However, Excel is much better at advanced mathematical calculations (the formulas you refer to)....Access is more limited in this way. Another thing that Excel does better than Access is charting based on your data....Excel can build extensive charts with trend lines, etc. to give a picture of what your data represents (tho the latest versions of Access include the Pivot Chart, it doesn't come close to what Excel can do) In a nutshell, if you want a relational database, using Excel instead of Access is like using WordPad instead of Word....but, if you want a spreadsheet with advanced mathematical calculations and charts, Excel leaves Access in the dust. I used to ask the exact opposite question you are now asking....I would say "why bother with Access when Excel does everything I want in a more simple manner?"....now I realize the need for both, tho I'm still more proficient with Excel. I think it just depends on which one you learned first. Linda Linda's Computer Stop http://personal-computer-tutor.com ABC Free Ezine ~ Free Ebooks and Tutorials *all outgoing mail scanned by Norton AV. If you got a bug that looks like it came from me, it did NOT! -----Original Message----- From: mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:mso-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Peter Chiavaro Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2004 6:53 AM To: mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [mso] Database or Spreadsheet Hello fellow Office Dweebs. I am amazed at the amount of people that are using a spreadsheet when (I think) they should be using a database. I'm not real sure about this but it looks like (to me anyway) most of the questions from people using Excel, look like the people should be using Access. I don't understand. It could be that that I have no idea what I'm talking about because I have never used Excel. I have no idea "what" to use it for let alone HOW to use it. I "think" it's good for formulas, as in making Ice cream. So much sugar, so much milk, so much flavoring etc. Can someone explain what the difference is between a spreadsheet and a database? My MAIN question would be; what is it that Excel can do that Access CAN'T. If someone could answer that one question, I'd be very happy. I've always been curious about this but have always been afraid to show my ignorance. Peter C. ************************************************************* You are receiving this mail because you subscribed to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or MicrosoftOffice@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To send mail to the group, simply address it to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To Unsubscribe from this group, send an email to mso-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the subject line. Or, visit the group's homepage and use the dropdown menu. This will also allow you to change your email settings to digest or vacation (no mail). //www.freelists.org/webpage/mso To be able to use the files section for sharing files with the group, send a request to mso-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and you will be sent an invitation with instructions. Once you are a member of the files group, you can go here to upload/download files: http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/msofiles ************************************************************* ************************************************************* You are receiving this mail because you subscribed to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or MicrosoftOffice@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To send mail to the group, simply address it to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To Unsubscribe from this group, send an email to mso-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the subject line. Or, visit the group's homepage and use the dropdown menu. This will also allow you to change your email settings to digest or vacation (no mail). //www.freelists.org/webpage/mso To be able to use the files section for sharing files with the group, send a request to mso-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and you will be sent an invitation with instructions. Once you are a member of the files group, you can go here to upload/download files: http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/msofiles ************************************************************* ************************************************************* You are receiving this mail because you subscribed to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx or MicrosoftOffice@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx To send mail to the group, simply address it to mso@xxxxxxxxxxxxx To Unsubscribe from this group, send an email to mso-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word "unsubscribe" (without the quotes) in the subject line. Or, visit the group's homepage and use the dropdown menu. This will also allow you to change your email settings to digest or vacation (no mail). //www.freelists.org/webpage/mso To be able to use the files section for sharing files with the group, send a request to mso-moderators@xxxxxxxxxxxxx and you will be sent an invitation with instructions. Once you are a member of the files group, you can go here to upload/download files: http://www.smartgroups.com/vault/msofiles *************************************************************