Access 2010 is a relational database management system that helps information workers track and report information. Access 2010 makes it easy to start with prebuilt solutions, modify them, and adapt them to changing needs. Information can be collected on forms by email or imported from external applications.

In the 2010 version, the Ribbon, which was introduced in Office 2007 and replaced traditional menus and toolbars with a set of task-based tabs, can be customized to suit the user's needs. The Ribbon's new File tab displays Microsoft Office Backstage view, which provides users with commonly accessed commands when opening or finishing a document and groups together related tasks. New Table Tools tabs bring commonly used field and table commands to the top level of the Ribbon for quick access. New Quick Start fields allow commonly used fields to be created in coordinated, preformatted sets.

Databases can be linked to external sources, such as other Access databases, Excel spreadsheets, ODBC (open database connectivity) data sources, and SQL Server databases. Integration with Microsoft SharePoint Server allows others within an organization to view or modify Access data.

32-Bit and x64 Versions: The installation media for this product include two sets of DVDs and can be used for either 32-bit or x64 systems.

Important Volume Licensing Information: With Office 2010 suites and applications, organizations can choose between two types of volume license keys for product activation: a Key Management Service (KMS) license key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). Organizations will be provided with both types of keys on the Microsoft Volume Licensing website.

Microsoft recommends KMS activation only for organizations with at least 50 networked computers requiring activation for any combination of Office 2010 suites and applications, including Project 2010 and Visio 2010. Organizations with fewer than 50 computers requiring activation or organizations with non-networked computers should activate their products using a MAK. For help deciding which type of key to use, Microsoft offers instructions on how to use a MAK or KMS key to activate volume editions of Office 2010.

Software Assurance: Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.

Requirements:

Hardware:

500-MHz (or higher) processor
256 MB or more RAM
2 GB available hard-disk space
1024x576-pixel (or higher) display
DVD drive

Software:

Windows XP with SP3 (32-bit only); Windows Vista with SP1 (32-bit or 64-bit); Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit); Windows Server 2003 R2 (32-bit or 64-bit) with MSXML 6.0; Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later, 32-bit browser only

Additional requirements for some features or advanced functionality:

For certain advanced collaboration functionality — Microsoft Windows Server 2003 with SP1 or later running Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services
For importing data from Excel or Outlook — Excel 2010 or Outlook 2010
For collecting data via email — Outlook 2007 or later
For publishing to SharePoint sites — SharePoint Server 2010
For graphics hardware acceleration — DirectX 9.0c–compatible graphics card
For integration with Business Connectivity Services — .NET Framework 3.5

Restrictions:

Microsoft Program Guidelines