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Before you're able to place information within a table, you first need to describe what data you want to collect within it. You go about this by defining the fields and their data types within the table design view. Begin by typing the name of the field within the name column. The name you type should have some significance to the information you are going to store there. Next, select the type of data that will be stored within this field. There are basically 8 data types to choose from and each type is unique. Below is a list of the data types along with their descriptions. Field Types and Descriptions Text The default type of field. Can contain up to 255 characters Memo Similar to a text field except that it can contain up to 64,000 characters Number Allows any number type to be placed here. Can be further described in the details area Date/Time Field designed for date and time data. Format can be specified in the details area Currency Field designated for dollar amounts with four decimal points to prevent rounding errors Autonumber Fills field with a number in incremental steps upward or with a random number Yes/No Boolean field that can only accept Yes or No, True or False, or -1 or 0 OLE Objects Types of data that can be created by OLE server applications (i.e. MS Word document) With each of these data types, you can further detail the format of that particular field under the Field Properties section. PRIMARY KEY FIELD One designing your table, Access will automatically prompt you to assign one of your fields as a Primary Key. The Primary Key is a field or fields that are unique identifiers for each record. If there is no unique identifier for each of the records, Access will then ask you if you want to add an autonumber field as a Primary Key. Again, it leaves that decision up to you. Although not necessary, good form in a relational database says there should a unique identifier for each record.

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