MySQL for dummies (read: ME)

I've never had any exposure to mySQL databases, don't know a thing about them and I've been using my pc all day and my brain is fried so I couldn't be bothered searching for info.

My question is, when I need to setup a MySQL database on my web server, (for a forum I'm installing to play around with - again, stealing other's scripts to aid my learning), I have to contact my web host right? Do I need to specify anything for this database, ie tables or fields or anything? Or do I just ask for a mysql database to be setup and give them a username and password and database title I want to use?

Forgive me if this is an incredibly stupid question, but I'm tired and annoyed and stupid.

Not to be unhelpful but it depends on your host. Some work like that, some you'd install it yourself.

My host charges $10 per mysql database to install, so I'm guessing that means that only they can install it? They have a service request form which asks for:
DSN - data source name, if required (how do I know if I need this?)
password

Out of curiosity, how would I install it myself?

And does anyone have a link to some sort of "mysql for dummies"?? Because I have no idea.

Installing it yourself depends on what kind of hosting account and permissions you have.

The DSN depends on whether you're going to use a DSN or DSN-less connection to the database. You may as well supply one just in case you want it. Just make up a word without special characters or spaces like "tim356".

Webmonkey.com has some mySQL tutorials, many of them mixed with PHP. Someone else may have better links, I'm more of a SQLServer guy.

Thanks Catalyst, I'll check out webmonkey.com.

ok, I'm still really confused, but I'm going to setup a mysql database anyway, that way I can learn as I go.

So in order to do that, I need to fill out this form: https://parcom.net/forms/dsn_request_form.htm

In the notes it says "Your MySQL database name will be named by Parcom and you will be able to administer your domain via a web based interface called phpmyadmin." so that's one thing out of the way.

What do I name the DSN? Can I name it anything? I'm guessing that the reason why this field is optional on the form is because the form is also for access databases? For mySQL setup, I have to provide a DSN right?

And I'm guessing they just ue my ftp username and password for the database unless I provide any special instructions right?

Thanks in advance!

well i wouldn't usually use a DSN for a mysql database though you could. you generally just need the address of the server, and a username + password to access the db. they'll email you all that stuff probably.

Yeah, I'm guessing I didn't need it, as they sent me back an email saying that it has been created with the database name, user and password. Too easy.

I installed mysql on my home pc and was playing with it all last night, so I have a better understanding now.

Also, my payment for my web hosting account was due today, and it just happened to coincide with the mySQL database setup payment of $10 - after this $10 payment was received by them, they sent me an email thanking me for my payment and saying my next hosting account payment is due in september! So they must have somehow mixed up the payments and they've given me these 3 months for free!! I better send them an email about that...