The 3 Best Free Alternatives to Microsoft Access
For work, I use a lot MS Access. Over the years, also because of a university course, I learned how to handle it discreetly. But I realize that it is indeed a full program but is especially complex. Those approaching the first few times, and we must work, is confused and distressed.
Also, and this is something that I like less and less, does not work on Linux, and even using Wine remain many problems. For this, to try something simpler although less complete, and to use Ubuntu or Linux Mint, and – I admit it – I tried also to save some alternatives. None of these is perfect, and for complex projects are not advisable, but for a semi-professional use some are useful. In this article, we have collected to draw from their best free alternative to Microsoft Access.
1. OpenOffice or LibreOffice
OpenOffice or LibreOffice, is a database created to make direct competition to Microsoft Office. And inserted in the OpenOffice suite, and in that of LibreOffice. If you are looking for a tool to create database family, or for small businesses, is a good solution. It has wizards that simplify a lot, plus a series of well-made tutorial. With a little hard work, work you can also attach a database created with OpenOffice to external tables and other data sources.
Does not use the Visual Basic for Application (VBA) and the alternative proposal is not as versatile. It is also not able to handle tables linked by several other databases, making it impossible to create complex structures. It’s free and open source, and distributed bundled with two software packages updated often. But both LibreOffiche that OpenOffice does not seem willing to address these gaps, continuing to optimize the development of other applications. In any case, base is suitable to manage archives simple or complex projects not. So, for the house is great, for the office only if there are no special requests. For companies, it depends very much on the particular needs of each individual situation.
2. AxisBase
Axisbase is an independent project, created by a single developer, designed to replace Microsoft Access. Not so much in terms of simplicity and on that of the power in data management and customization of their analysis. You can use it, yes, to create an archive of your home-video library, or music.
But the user interface minimal, bare-bones, is only a little more than a trace of potential Axisbase. His power is the ability to create additional modules, custom, able to add aesthetic details and especially custom functions. It difficult, but worth it to put in the time to try and experiment. Remembering that it is from 2011 that does not receive updates: on the one hand, this should ensure some stability to the development of their personal databases, on the other hand, do not have to wait for improvements or bug fixes.
3. Glom
The main problem of Glom: can not be used if you use an administrator account on Windows. The second problem is that databases created with Glom cannot be changed later. Already these two things do not require the user expert to use this program to replace Microsoft Access. But if you are new, and if you are looking for a quick and easy way to create a database to use at home then you may want to consider the idea of downloading and installing glom. The user interface is simple, easy to understand and use, and the wizards work well. Recommended, yes, but only for home and business.
