Multiple users: Access vs Excel

[Robin]

I know this is a very basic question: is one of the
differences between Access and Excel that an Access
database can be utilized simultaneously by several users
on a network, where an Excel spreadsheet can only be
used by one person at a time? Thanks for a reply.

 

[MacDermott]

Both Access and Excel can be used in either mode.
An Excel database is single-user by default, but you can enable it for
multi-users using Tools - Share Workbook.
An Access database (in most recent versions) opens by default for Shared
Access, but it can be opened Exclusive in a variety of ways.

The more important differences between the two have more to do with Access
being a relational database, while Excel is a spreadsheet.
Also, Access separates the data from the forms to manipulate it much more
than Excel does.

HTH
- Turtle

 

[Robin]

Turtle- thank you very much. My needs are simple and I'm
hoping to avoid the cost of Access; I will try your
suggestion. Again, thanks!!