* MySQL, is an Open Source SQL database, is developed, distributed, and supported by MySQL AB. MySQL AB is a commercial company, founded by the MySQL developers, that builds its business providing services around the MySQL database.

* The MySQL web site (http://www.mysql.com/) provides the latest information about MySQL software and MySQL AB.

* MySQL is a database management system. A database is a structured collection of data. It may be anything from a simple shopping list to a picture gallery or the vast amounts of information in a corporate network. To add, access, and process data stored in a computer database, you need a database management system such as MySQL Server. Since computers are very good at handling large amounts of data, database management systems play a central role in computing, as stand-alone utilities or as parts of other applications.

* MySQL is a relational database management system. A relational database stores data in separate tables rather than putting all the data in one big storeroom. This adds speed and flexibility. The SQL part of ``MySQL'' stands for ``Structured Query Language''. SQL is the most common standardised language used to access databases and is defined by the ANSI/ISO SQL Standard.(The SQL standard has been evolving since 1986 and several versions exist. In this manual, ''SQL-92'' refers to the standard released in 1992, ''SQL-99'' refers to the standard released in 1999, and ''SQL:2003'' refers to the version of the standard that is expected to be released in mid-2003.We use the term ''the SQL standard'' to mean the current version of the SQL Standard at any time.)

* MySQL software is Open Source.

-- IgnacioAguirre - 12 Jun 2003
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