Ssrs (1 Viewer)

I am used to working with access reports - however I need to learn SSRS.

I am struggling with formatting , grouping etc access in this regard seemed so much easier.

Simple things like having a header to my groups.

Can anyone recommend a book to help me at least as a starting point to replicate what I can do in access in SSRS.

Then I can look at the extra advantages of SSRS.

Thanks

This isn't an answer since it isn't a book. Others should be encouraged to submit a book or other sources.
I am also looking into an ad-hoc reporting tool for SQL Server. SSRS can be much more complex than the Access Reporting tool. I have met people who make a living off just SSRS. They learned it over the years.
This is just a short 3 pager about SSRS for those looking into it.
http://www.networkworld.com/subnets/microsoft/062609-ch1-ssrs.html?page=3

At SQL Server Central, they offer generic tutorials.
Level 1 http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Reporting+Services+(SSRS)/69949/
Level 2 http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/Reporting+Services+(SSRS)/70994/

Here is the index for the 9 Levels (for Azure that would mean Cloud 9? couldn't resist the pun). It is an ancient reference to the 9 planets or 9 levels of heaven. Then again, there was Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space".
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/stairway/72382/
Just an observation: Level one has well over 10,000 viewers who rated this high.
With each level, the viewers drop off. This is an indication that SSRS can get very complex, or that a percent of programmers eventually give up, or something in-between.



I am looking for some Ad-Hoc query tool where SQL Artifacts can be created to allow end-users to access a rule-driven, less normalized data structure.



It is probably worth reading the 10 "bad things about SSRS". The Access development team looks at developers a little differently. These 10 confusing things are probably worth looking at:
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/articles/SQL+Server/75149/

Cheers mate - I'll have a look at those when I get the chance!

I'm up to step 5 this morning of creating reports on the staircase. All good so far, a good introduction.

Still struggling to see the the aligning of text boxes, ie overlapping, growing, arrangement etc in the freeform way that can be done in access. It may be something really simple that I am missing, anyhow that's where I am up to.

Thanks

Will really appreciate your observations. My intent is to follow in your footsteps in the next 30 to 90 days.
As the Access Reports appear to be non-existent in the Web version, the SSRS seems to be a free option.
The other option I have yet to be able to spend time on is the new Excel services for SQL Serve that was recentlly released.
After paying for the Microsoft MAP (partner) program, they totally failed to document the method to use the MAP user ID to download software from MSDN.
Between my travels and other work-loads, it took them 10 weeks to convey the ability to download .NET, SQL Server and the server OS.
In the next few weeks, my plan is to purchace a stand-alone PC to create a SQL Server that will also host the Citrix - Light and try this new Excel for SQL Server option.
SSRS is nice for some type of reporting. But, Excel created with custom VBA offers end-products that are much more useable for decision making analysis.

The Forum almost needs a SQL Server Reporting section given all the options.