Filling out forms and Purpose of InfoPath

[Rookie_User]

This is a stupid question but I am really trying to understand how I can
utilize InfoPath. I recognize its all about forms - but when it says it
links to Excel/Access is it wrong to think that when you fill out a form that
when you hit return on the last field it saves that record and brings up a
new form, is this how it works? Sort of like the old QuatroPro or something
like that where you just had forms?

I am trying to use it, enter a bunch of data but I don't want to save each
form filled out with data seperately - any help or just general abuse is
appreciated -

 

[Dean]

No, it does not work like like a database form in which one user adds lots
of records. Think of it more like a paper form that someone in an office
would fill out to request something that needed approval.
1. Someone creates a form for others to use
2. User gets the form (from an email, a file folder or a SharePoint library)
3. user fills out form and clicks submit, (data can go to a database
(Access, SQL server or other choices). It can also be sent to an Excel file
4. Form goes somewhere for review and approval (if a SharePoint library is
used, data from form can be displayed so that users don't have to open forms
to see the contents.

You can merge multiple forms to get a summary of their contents.

If you want to create complex reports to analzye the data entered on the
forms, you will need another tool.

 

[Rookie_User]

Thank you DEAN.

So, if it works on the surface/outside of the database - can you just link
it to access or excel so when the form comes up into fill-in mode that it
automatically populates the desired link to whatever application?

Believe it or not I am intelligent - smile, I make this harder than it
should be so then it short circuits my brain - smile. Thanks for your
patience and explanations.

 

[Dean]

in general, yes. you can have it fill reference data on open or on demand.
Take a look at the tutorials at
http://msdn.microsoft.com/office/understanding/infopath/training/default.aspx
you will learn a lot.