What is the easiest way to make a data-entry/tracking database?

I need to make a database for use at work. I know exactly what I want but have no idea how to do it. I have tried looking into Access (have it on my work computer and it seems like it coud work because I could put it on our public drive and other people could use it) but there is no template that easily translates and it seems overwhelming to try to learn how to do all that I want for this one tool (although knowledge is always good I do have my regular job that ties up my time).

I was also thinking that since this is something that other people will use I wanted a simple a data entry front end as possible with most of the functionality maintenance locked so people don't go messing it up.

Blah. Hurts my head. So is Access worth messing with or is it no good? If worth messing with, what is the best way to learn how to make stuff with it? Obviously, I can Google search but nothing I have found looks all that great or informative.