MySQL was widely considered the best free, open-source database software. However, once Oracle purchased it, it stopped functioning as an open-source program, as most of the modules are now closed-source. However, it’s not all bad; under Oracle, MySQL was able to add more features and expand its capabilities.

It also added a premium tier, which is still less expensive than other database management systems. It has the capabilities to work with multiple programming languages and is still extremely reliable.

MySQL still has a free subscription option, just follow the steps below, and I’ll show you how to download MySQL Enterprise Edition for free.

How to Download MySQL Enterprise Edition for Free

  1. Click the Download button on the sidebar, and the official MySQL page will open in a new tab.
  2. Locate MySQL Enterprise Edition just under the page header, and click on the Trial Download link.
    Download MySQL TrialClick the Trial Download link
  3. Before the download begins, you will need to create an account with the MySQL parent company, Oracle. Enter the required information, and click the Create Account button. You will receive a verification email to the address you provide. Once you verify your account, you can log in to your Oracle/MySQL account.
  4. Enter MySQL into the search bar and choose the Enterprise Edition from the dropdown menu. This will add the software to your download queue.
    Click on the link for the MySQL version you want to download
  5. Click on the View Items link, and you’ll see your version of MySQL listed. Press the Continue button to continue.
    Click on the View Items to see all the MySQL products in your download queue
  6. Choose the operating system you will be using with MySQL. You can choose one operating system for all the downloads or specify different ones for each item listed. Then press the Continue button.
    Select the operating system or platform that you’ll be using MySQL with
  7. Agree to the Standard Terms and Restrictions, and press the Continue button.
  8. A survey will appear to ask about how you enjoyed the download process. You can ignore it if you want and press the Download button at the bottom of the page, and the setup file will download to your computer.
  9. When the file download is complete, open the file to run the setup wizard.
  10. Choose a destination folder for the software or use the default option and click the Next button.
  11. The Download Manager will download and install all the components.
  12. Open the folder, unzip the files, and create your databases when the download is complete.

How to Uninstall MySQL from your Computer

If MySQL isn’t the right database management system for your needs, it can be uninstalled from your computer in a few easy steps.

  1. Type Add or Remove Programs in the Windows search bar, and press the Enter key.
    Add or Remove Program
  2. Locate all the MySQL components and click the Uninstall button.
  3. Confirm that you want to delete the software, and the uninstallation wizard will delete it from your computer.

Check out these free MySQL alternatives if you’re still looking for a database management program.

MySQL Overview

MySQL is a Relational Database Management System that was designed to make it easy to create, add, access, and manage databases. The software works well with all operating systems and uses SQL (Structured Query Language), a popular database management language. With MySQL, users will be able to collect and view the data in a structured format, so they can use the data to take the appropriate actions.

MySQL is relatively easy to learn and install on your system to track the database. There are tools, such MySQL Workbench, that can collect that data and generate daily or weekly reports.

MySQL Features

MySQL Enterprise Edition has a large list of features, tools, and technical support. It’s a proven system that allows site owners to scale up their databases without sacrificing security or uptime. It has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most reliable database management systems and is essential for developing, deploying, and managing all MySQL applications.

Document Store

The MySQL document store gives business owners and development teams the ability to work with SQL and NoSQL database applications. Businesses don’t need to run multiple databases to collect all their data with this feature.

Scalability

As your business grows, it’s important to have a database management system that will grow with you. Scalability is one of the strongest features in MySQL as it can easily increase its data loads to meet your demands.

Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)

A powerful security feature, the TDE encrypts physical files that are still on the database. This secures all files, information, and data that is “at-rest” and prevents hackers or unauthorized users from viewing the sensitive information. The encryption is added in real-time as the data is collected, even before it’s uploaded to the storage, and it’s only decrypted when it’s read from the storage.

Masking and De-identification

Another excellent data security feature is the masking and de-identification of sensitive data. It’s an easy-to-use feature that automatically substitutes data with fake values so that someone viewing the information wouldn’t be able to gather any real intel. You can assign tags so the system knows what data is important, and it will take care of the rest for you.

Database Backup

Using MySQL, you won’t need to be concerned about data loss or system crashes impacting your financial well-being. It’s possible to automatically back up your databases to an online storage solution, providing added security and peace of mind. In the database settings, are options for full, incremental and partial backups, Point-in-Time Recovery, and backup compression. This way, you can set it once, and forget about it.

Firewall

The built-in MySQL firewall provides your databases with real time protection from all types of cybercrime, including database specific attacks, such as SQL Injection. The firewall works 24/7 and monitors for the latest threats and prevents, and unauthorized database activity.

Free Alternatives to MySQL

  • Microsoft SQL Server: The Microsoft SQL Server is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, and Docker. It gives developers and business owners an easy-to-use solution for database management that works with multiple programming languages. It has advanced tools that include Business Intelligence and reporting, so it can manage the data in an organized manner.
  • PostgreSQL: PostgreSQL is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an open-source relational database management system. It is easy to install and works on all major platforms. It automatically backs up all data, and it can quickly be restored with a single command.

FAQ

Is MySQL free?

There is a very basic version of MySQL that you can use for free, but it is very limiting. If you need advanced features, follow the instructions above, and I’ll show you how to download the MySQL Enterprise Edition and get an unlimited 30 day free trial. This gives you plenty of time to demo the software, and if you see that you don’t need the advanced features, you can just scale down the Community version.

Is MySQL secure?

MySQL takes user and data security very seriously. There are multiple security features that are designed to prevent hackers and unauthorized users from viewing sensitive information on the servers. These include a powerful firewall designed to recognize database attacks, strong encryption, and a masking feature that hides valuable data and substitutes it with fake information.

Is MySQL scalable?

Yes. MySQL can easily handle millions of rows of data, each filled with a lot of data. Therefore, even if your database starts out with hundreds of entries, there is plenty of room to grow without having to worry about updating or changing your database management system.
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