MariaDB on Windows - getting started help?

Question

I'm trying to learn MariaDB (v5.2.4), but I'm running into some issues. I can download and install it, but it doesn't seem to be running or I'm missing something.

I'm looking for a good resource for the 1st timer running on Windows.

A few specific questions:

1. Does it require MySQL to run? Alot of the installation help out there seems to be geared around upgrading from MySQL, but I want to start fresh.

2. Is there a management tool for the database (like SQL Server Management Studio)? If not, what do people typically use?

Answer 1

You do not need MySQL to run MariaDB. Once you've installed MariaDB you should be able to type

net start mysql

at a command prompt and that will start MariaDB (yes you actually type mysql)

To answer the second part of your question, I know a company called Navicat used to offer an administrative gui, but I can't seem to find it on their site anymore.