mysql? - where to start?

[HermanAA]

A niece has to fill-out forms with all numbers (lines/ columns, vertical
added up, hor. added up).
Tax-forms I understand, for different clients.
She has type-writer experience only.
She bought a computer to do this. She has no Windows/Linux experience.
 (333 MHz CPU, 512MB mem, Windows-XP working. My old IDE hard-drives
found a new home)

Until now a word-processor is used for typing the form (daughter doing
the donkey-work).

I am sure this can be done well in Linux.
 (I am welcome to install Linux)

What do I need? (Data-base? Spreadsheet?)
I will learn it (mysql?) myself, and demonstrate it.

mysql is very BIG, count 100 or more programs in Synaptic.
 (but maybe it is suitable ?)
Surely I can beat a word-processor ......? !!!

I have to get started somewhere ...... is mysql good for simple work?
I googled but could not find a simple tutorial.

Where can I find a tutorial?
Best for me is a few actual cases (hands-on), tutorial-style.

For now the goal is:
 Numbers only, vertical and horizontal, Added-up vertical and hor.
There are headers and descriptions of course.
  (of course the program should do the adding up)
  (the form filled-in and printed is the end of the computer-job)
(bet you: electronic submission and EXCEL compatible is going to be the
next problem, just my gut-feelings)

Herman in Philippines.