Just for the sake of completeness I'll also suggest that you consider using PostgreSQL which, like MySQL is Open Source and free software. For using MySQL I found it very helpful to have Paul Dubois' book "MySQL" handy as a reference, and to help get you through the initial learning curve with MySQL setup and security issues.

Note that no matter what database you decide to use, consider strongly using Perl DBI (Database Independent Interface) as the perl interface to the database. Assuming you decide to go with MySQL, you would

   - install MySQL and get it working with the "mysql"
     client, and then
   - download and install the perl "DBI" module
   - read the DBI perldocs by doing "perldoc DBI" at a
     command prompt
   - download and install DBD::mysql
   - read the DBD::mysql perldocs by doing "perldoc DBD::mysql"
     at a command prompt
[download]

That should get you started.

HTH. </code>