Computer Learning Zone

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 perils of overzealous patriotism.

This episode ex...

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 access, and dive into practical options...

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 stable machines suddenly get risky r...

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 Richard Rost breaks down the essential...

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 are perfect for non-programmers who still...

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 answers a common question from database use...

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 working with Access, addressing why thes...

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 should not go poking around your BIOS or fi...

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 turned out to be a subtle power mode se...

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 their needs - whether for fitness routi...

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 unwittingly launching duplicate copies of the...

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 weekend or vacation.

We explore the buil...

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 makes working with large tables easie...

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 discussion about the true costs and benefits ...

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, forms, and queries when you rename ...

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 actually matter, common misconceptions,...

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 of Access, why password storage matt...

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 up misconceptions, and explain why q...

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 popup forms, split testing YouTube th...