What is the purpose of Microsoft Access?

The purpose of Microsoft Access is to serve as a database management system designed specifically for creating, managing, and manipulating databases. This tool allows users to store and organize data efficiently, offering functionalities such as querying, reporting, and data entry forms, which facilitate the management of large volumes of data in a relational database format.

Unlike text editing software or spreadsheet programs, which focus on document creation and numerical calculations respectively, Access is tailored for handling structured data and relationships between different data sets. It provides a robust platform for users to design their own databases, generate reports, and retrieve data quickly through various query methods. This makes it a powerful tool for businesses and individuals needing to organize and analyze data effectively. In contrast, an operating system provides a foundational environment for computer operations, but it does not focus on database management.