Go to MySQL Downloads page for the latest stable release. We are using here ' mysql-5.0.19-win32.zip, the latest stable recommended release as of 11/03/06. It is a 35.2 Mb download so either patience or broadband is required here, or get an earlier version from a cover disk of a computer mag. This is the binary version and contains an installer package which does most of the work for you these days. The need for manual editing of config files has therefore been reduced.
Download to a temporary location, I have a 'Master Programs' folder which I download to and extract from there.
Step 2 - Install MySQL
Extract the downloaded zip into its current location, then run the resulting 'setup.exe' file to start the mysql installer.
To quickly get a request up and running, following are all images to show step by step what to do on the installation screens. I will over the next few days, break this down with written comments and span it over a few pages.
Hank, this should get you up and running!
Whats next ? Coming up will be a short tutorial on creating a basic database so that you get the idea of what is going on behind the scenes. This will be combined with a quick installation guide and introduction to phpMyAdmin, a great front end GUI to help create and organise your databases. Also coming up is the installation tutorial for the 'Invision Power Board' forums board program, so you get real benefit from your newly installed PHP and MySQL.
