1. SQL is *NOT* that tough - if I can learn it and use 
      it, then anyone can.  And while some SQL(joins and
      there are more advanced topics that involve a 
      learning curve) can be more challenging to learn for
      newbies, the basics (SELECT, INSERT, DELETE) are very
      straightforward.
   2. Using Perl/DBI/DBD::?? to interact with a database 
      sort of assumes that you already have a working
      database, which kind of assumes that you already
      know how to interact with the database on its
      own(without Perl/DBI/DBD::??).  To do that, you
      should already have some familiarity with SQL, or
      you should learn SQL, at least enought to interact
      with your database through its "built in" client 
      interface.

##</code><code>##

  * downloaded and installed MySQL
  * bought a book about MySQL(by Paul Dubois - excellent
    book) and read the online MySQL documentation, which is
    very good - I think it's at www.mysql.com(it's been a
    while - not sure about the address of that site)
  * learned enough SQL to be able to interact with MySQL
    using MySQL's client command line interface
  * installed DBI and DBD::mysql
  * read the excellent DBI perldocs by doing

       perldoc DBI

    at a command prompt

  * read the excellent DBD::mysql perldocs by doing

       perldoc DBD::mysql

    at a command prompt

  * bought the book "Programming the Perl DBI" by Tim Bunce
    and read it

  * wrote my 1st basic Perl/DBI/DBD::mysql application