mysql? - where to start?

[Joep L. Blom]

HermanAA wrote:
> 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.
> 
> 
> 
Herman,
Get yourself a copy of Ubuntu by logging in with http://www.ubuntu.com/.
It comes with OpenOffice which has Wordprocessor, Spreadsheet, Database 
and more. Download the version shown and burn it to a CD.
I assume the target system has a cd-reader. Load the burned disk and 
don't forget to set the startup sequence in the BIOS to CD as first 
device. Load the disk. The system will start and an instruction screen 
will show. Follow one of the options (I suggest to start with running 
the system from the CD to familiarize yourself with it).

On the internet are plenty of instructions on using OpenOffice and most 
people familiar with wordprocessing find they can use it intuitively.
It is somewhat of a learning curve but the results will be gratifying.

Success. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Joep