How do I design a database based on the information that will be stored? - Copy of Tables and hirearchies.zip (0/1)

Hi I am trying to learn how to design a relational database. I have
designed one database in access 97 but it was a flat database file
since I didn't know how to do relational ones and needed it done
quick. I am using access 2002 to design this one but it will be read
from a visual basic program and displayed in an MSHFlexGrid.

Attached is an excell file (trimmed down and zipped) with the tables
that I need to store, I need to know how to decide how they should be
formatted in a database. Some of the tables have colums that are not
in other columns.

Do I make a database table for each of the tables? Do I make one big
table that has all the same colums in it and only make new tables for
the colums that are not in all of the tables? Is there some
other/better way? How do I know what/how to link the tables so that
they are efficient.

I figure there is probably alot to consider so I am not asking for the
absolute best/fastest/efficient way, just a basic start on how to do
it.

Also I am not looking to just have someone make the file for me so I
ask that if you tell me how to format it to please explaine how/why
you are saying to format it that way. The particular file for this
data is not realy important I am looking to learn how to make a
relational db.

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Jim