Difference between MySQL release versions

Question

What is the difference between mysql-5.5.8.zip and mysql-5.5.8-win32.zip in the http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/ download page. I have a Win 2K environment, what binary should I use and why does it have a huge size difference between the above?

Answer 1

The smaller package does not contain test suite and embedded server.

Anyway, I suggest you use the MSI installer instead - installation and configuration are way more straightforward.