Data Input Masks in Microsoft Access

If you're new to creating databases, you may not have been applying validation rules to the fields you create. In the short term, this may be a problem-free way to take in data, especially if you're the only person who uses the database.

If you have more than one person doing data entry, however, you may want to set up validation rules for your data inputs. This will save time in the long run because it provides an immediate way to assure that data is entered according to a specific format, and that necessary fields are not left empty.

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Inconsistent data can cause reporting problems, and create additional work for the database administrator. Postal codes, phone numbers, serial numbers, dates, titles and any other number of data types can be validated upon entry. If the entered data does not match the specified format, Access will indicate the error and ask the user to re-enter the data using the correct format.

To ensure that data are entered properly, the easiest form of validation involves applying an input mask to a field. Access provides an Input Mask Wizard to make the process easy.

To start the Input Mask Wizard, select the Input Mask property and choose the ellipsis button. Depending upon what you were doing immediately prior to this, Access may ask if you want to save the table you've been working in. Click Yes to save the table. The Input Mask Wizard will provide a list of pre-configured input masks, for example you can choose to force a user to enter a telephone number in a predefined format to prevent data entry errors. Select the mask you want to apply. If no mask suits your needs exactly, choose one that is similar. You'll have the opportunity to fine-tune the mask to your liking. Click Next.

Use the Input Mask box to adjust the input mask to your specifications. Choose the placeholder characters that will serve as examples for your mask and click Next.

Indicate whether or not you want symbols (such as hyphens or parentheses) stored along with your field data. Click Finish.

You can modify a mask to require or restrict the use of specific characters. Characters can also be indicated as optional. Input masks can also be configured with modifiers that don't appear as data, but act on the data. For example, a modifier may convert all entered data to upper case (for example a postcode would always appear as upper case) or lower case letters, insert a thousands separator in a string of numbers, or substitute asterisks for a stored password.

You can also configure literal characters in an input mask. A literal character would be stored with the data and could be a symbol, character or string that is appended to the entered data.

The input mask allows you to standardize data entry and prevent errors that could corrupt searches as your database grows.

Data Input Masks in Microsoft Access

Secure Computer Network Remote Access Options For Teleworkers

There are numerous benefits to providing members of your organization or business with reliable, secure and feature rich remote access options. The term "teleworker" refers to an alternative worker model that accommodates employees that mostly work from home or are always on the go. Remote access options come in many flavors. Listed below are some of the most common secure remote access solutions in use today.

A virtual private network or VPN connection provides a secure link from a remote location back to the main office. A firewall, multi-purpose router, dedicated VPN appliance or a server operating system that includes VPN support would be installed and configured at the main office location to provide a VPN termination point for remote clients. Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are common protocols used by VPN services to provide encryption and security for remote access connectivity over the internet.

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So how do teleworkers connect? In most cases, a VPN connection is initiated through either software residing on the computer or a hardware based client. Operating systems from Microsoft (XP, Vista, and Windows 7) include built-in VPN connectivity support. Cisco, SonicWALL, Netgear, Fortinet and numerous other vendors of VPN products all offer client and clientless (sometimes also referred to as thin client) based VPN connectivity options. Clientless VPN connectivity is usually established through your web browser utilizing a small active x control or java applet in combination with SSL to create a secure connection to the main office. A hardware based VPN client is usually a router that is able to establish a dedicated secure connection back to the home office.

Once a secure remote connection is in place, teleworkers can access whatever resources are explicitly made available. The most common application and resource delivery method is usually through a server or desktop remote terminal session. Remote desktop connectivity provides the "as if you were sitting there in the office" experience. Server based remote session services allow for numerous users to connect to a single server all at the same time. A desktop computer that allows remote sessions is generally one to one.

Secure remote access from home or while on the road can help to foster greater productivity and efficiency. Moving to a virtual office teleworker employee or associate model also has the added benefit of potential cost savings as the need for traditional centralized office space lessens.

Secure Computer Network Remote Access Options For Teleworkers