Have just loaded an old version of mysql from a Debian Potato CD and think it is working: although computer says:
Starting mysql server .... failed
it does give a message and a prompt when I do:
mysql

Can't really get much further. Though did get it to make a database called 'database' though it's empty.

Is there a link to some basic information about what I'm supposed to do?

Sorry such a cretinous question but when you're this ignorant its difficult not to be.

Thanks any help.

The MySQL reference manual has a tutorial section that's pretty good.
http://www.mysql.com/doc/en/Tutorial.html

Thanks!

Also found: http://www.devshed.com/c/a/MySQL/Beg...ySQL-Tutorial/