Define Replication, identify its Purpose, and list the ways Replication can be achieved in Access

The Access Replication function allows you to duplicate a database and synchronize the copies. Synchronization is the act of merging changes between two copies of a database. Synchronization updates all copies of a database to reflect the most current information. For example, if records are changed, added, or deleted in one copy of the database, synchronization will update other copies of the database.
One instance in which Replication is especially useful is when you save a copy of your database on a laptop, make changes to the copy while at home, and need to update the original database with the changes you made when you return to the office.
There are three ways to handle replication:

1. Use the Briefcase provided by Windows 7 or 10
2. Use Replication Manager, part of Microsoft Office, that allows you to copy a database and synchronize the copies
3. VBA code can be used to create and maintain a replicated database

This course covers only the first of these methods. However, in order to use replication, you will need to have the Briefcase installed.

To add the Briefcase to the desktop after you have Windows installed:

1. Open the Control Panel from within My Computer.
2. Choose Add/Remove Program from within Control Panel.
3. Highlight Accessories, then click Details. At this point the Accessories dialog will open up.
4. Click the Briefcase option. The dialog will now look like the figure below:

5. Click OK twice to add the Briefcase to the desktop. You will now see the Briefcase icon as shown below:
   

In the next lesson you will see how to use the Briefcase for replicating and synchronizing a database.