How to choose the installation package when installing MySQL

When you install MySQL in Windows, there are 3 MySQL 5.1 installation packages to choose from:

· Basic installation: The installation package has a file name similar to Mysql-essential-5.1.2-alpha-win32.msi and contains the minimum files required to install MySQL in Windows, including the Configuration Wizard. The installation package does not include optional components, such as embedded servers and benchmark suites.

· Full install: The installation package has a file name similar to Mysql-5.1.2-alpha-win32.zip and contains all the files required to install MySQL in Windows, including the Configuration Wizard. The installation package includes optional components, such as an embedded server and a benchmark suite.

· Non-automatic installation file: The file name for this installation package is similar to Mysql-noinstall-5.1.2-alpha-win32.zip, contains all the files in the full installation package, except that the Configuration Wizard is not included. The installation package does not include an automatic installer and must be installed and configured manually.

For most users, it is recommended that you choose a basic installation.