Am I in over my head...mysql, php...help

[roseread]

A newbe question if you please.

A few months ago I purchased Dreamweaver and converted the non profit website that I do over to it from Frontpage. I now love dreamweaver. The non profit organization now wants to add "quizes" to the site which means I need to have "database" functions.

I've not spent much time with databases. I just bought a book about Dreamweaver Ultradev. I'd like to be able to use ultradev but have a lot of reading ahead of me.

It's been less than 30 days since I switched to PowWeb and now I'm confused about whether or not I'll be able to use the database facility or not.

I thought I would use ultradev with MS Access but see that Powweb doesn't support access. Have done some reading over the past two days about MySQL but don't really know how it all fits together.

My question is, is it worth my while to try to figure out MySQL or would I be better off finding a web host that supports ultradev and MSAccess?
:confused:

[sophiespo]

if you want to add quizes to your site, you can use MySql along with PHP.. if you go to www.hotscripts.com Im sure they have loads of quiz scripts that youll be able to customise .. you dont necessarily have to use PHP, though. You can probably use CGI as well. Check out hotscripts, and see what they have to offer.

sophie

[Bud]

The MySQL basics really take very little to learn and you'll be very glad you did.

I feel MySQL is 10 times the database Access is. Learning a little SQL language will take you a long way, though it isn't necessary, all you really need is a remote administration program like Mascon or phpMyAdmin.

As Sophie said, there are plenty of free quizz scripts around, both PHP and Perl.

Kudos on learning Dreamweaver!! An awesome program :)

~bud

[realboom]

In my experience I have not found many hosts that support MS Access. You do have the option of finding a host that supports MS SQL Server, but you will pay much more money. I learned the majority of what I know from these 3 references:

PHP Essentials:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076152729X/realboom/102-9144930-1716935

PHP Bible:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/076454716X/realboom/102-9144930-1716935

MySQL:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735709211/realboom/102-9144930-1716935