MYSQL is a database engine used in creating and management of databases. Linux has its own inbuilt MYSQL. However, it is recommend that you uninstall it and replace with a free version from the MYSQL foundation. This database engine finds it use commonly with website programmers. The installation of the software in a windows based machine is very different from the Linux installation.

In website development, MYSQL has its main uses in creating dynamic content. You can use scripting languages such as PHP and JAVA to access MYSQL database. The scripting languages can modify the database according to the specifications of the programmer. Such modifications include deleting records, adding records and dropping the entire database.

Linux operating system can support external installation of MYSQL. Individuals especially beginners have little knowledge on how they can install MYSQL on a Linux platform. If you are among these individuals, do not trouble yourself very much. This is because am going to show you a systematic way of doing this on your UNIX operating system.

1. Download a stable release of MYSQL.

MYSQL has different versions. When you decide to download it, look for the most recent stables release. You can get it from their executive website at no cost. On their official webpage, select the version that is compatible with your Linux platform. The community edition is the best with client servers.

1. Uninstall any other MYSQL program from you system.

Since Linux comes with its own inbuilt MYSQL software, uninstall it to create room for you recently downloaded MYSQL software. Ensure that no application is using MSQL software. Linux will not grand you permission if you try removing it when other applications are accessing it.   

1. Install the MYSQL that you downloaded.

Am assuming you have downloaded the MYSQL and uninstalled any MYSQL that was in your system. What you should do next is to install your downloaded version. This is little tricky especially if you have never performed another installation. Unzip you downloaded software and installed it. If the version you downloaded is not compatible with your system an error will occur. Thus, the software will not install unless you re-download the most compatible version.

1. Configure MSYQL.

This can be termed as post installation activities. There are useful in ensuring security of your data in the MYSQL program. If you downloaded the correct version, you must have installed it by now. Post installation activities include restricting root access to you database, creating a secure password, deleting any databases and removing all other users.

1. Verify.

Verify to ensure proper installation. You can do this by logging into you program and creating some databases and tables. Query the tables and ensure complete functionality. In addition, stop the program, restart it again, and see if you can be able to successfully login again.  If you are able to login successfully then you have followed the instructions correctly.

As you have noticed, there is nothing hard in installing and configuring MYSQL on a Linux platform.