How to Configure MySQL Database Server on Ubuntu 11.10

MySQL, the world’s most popular open source database, is a crucial component for many web applications, blogs, and websites. This tutorial will guide you through the process of configuring MySQL database server on Ubuntu, ensuring optimal performance and security.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that this guide assumes you have already successfully installed MySQL on your Ubuntu system. If you haven’t, please refer to our guide on the best web server software to choose a suitable server for your needs, and then proceed with the MySQL installation.

Configuring MySQL Database Server on Ubuntu

Step 1: Change the Bind Address

The first step in configuring your MySQL server is to change its bind address. This is a crucial security measure, especially if your applications and MySQL are not running on the same machine.

To do this, open the MySQL configuration file using the following command:

vim /etc/mysql/my.cnf

In the configuration file, look for the line that reads:

bind-address = localhost

Change it to your desired IP address, for example:

bind-address = 192.168.1.0

Step 2: Set MySQL Root Password

Next, you’ll need to set a password for the MySQL root user. This is an important step for securing your database.

To access the database, type the following command:

mysql -u root

Once you’re in the MySQL console, set the password with the following command:

SET PASSWORD FOR 'root'@'localhost' = PASSWORD('your_password');

Replace ‘your_password’ with your desired password.

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Step 3: Display User Information

After setting the password, you can display user information on the MySQL database. This can be done using the following command:

select user,host,password from mysql.user;

This command will display a table with the user, host, and password information.

For example:

mysql> select user,host,password from mysql.user;
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| user             | host                  | password                                  |
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| root             | localhost             | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| root             | geek.example.com      | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| root             | 127.0.0.1             | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| debian-sys-maint | localhost             | *0D767A6F1808D25DDAFB4AE43C9BA83063C89ED5 |
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
4 rows in set (0.00 sec)

Alternatively, you can use the following command:

select user,host,password from user;

This command will also display a table with the user, host, and password information.

For example:

mysql> select user,host,password from user;
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| user             | host                  | password                                  |
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| root             | localhost             | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| root             | geek.example.com      | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| root             | 127.0.0.1             | *2470C0C06DEE42FD1618BB99005ADCA2EC9D1E19 |
| debian-sys-maint | localhost             | *0D767A6F1808D25DDAFB4AE43C9BA83063C89ED5 |
+------------------+-----------------------+-------------------------------------------+
4 rows in set (0.00 sec)

Commands Mentioned

  • vim /etc/mysql/my.cnf – Opens the MySQL configuration file
  • bind-address = IP_address – Changes the bind address of the MySQL server
  • mysql -u root – Accesses the MySQL database as the root user
  • SET PASSWORD FOR ‘root’@’localhost’ = PASSWORD(‘your_password’); – Sets the password for the MySQL root user
  • select user,host,password from mysql.user; – Displays user information from the MySQL database
  • select user,host,password from user; – An alternative command to display user information
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Conclusion

Configuring your MySQL database server on Ubuntu involves several steps, but each one is crucial for ensuring the performance and security of your database. By following this guide, you’ve learned how to change the bind address of your MySQL server, set a root password, and display user information.

Remember, maintaining a secure and efficient database is an ongoing task. Regularly check for updates to MySQL and your Ubuntu system, and always keep an eye on user access and privileges.

Hope this guide has been helpful in configuring your MySQL database server on Ubuntu.

If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of changing the bind address in MySQL?

    Changing the bind address in MySQL is a security measure. It specifies the IP address that MySQL listens on. By default, MySQL listens on localhost (127.0.0.1), meaning it only accepts connections from applications running on the same server. Changing the bind address allows MySQL to accept connections from other servers, which is necessary in a distributed environment.

  2. Why do I need to set a root password in MySQL?

    Setting a root password in MySQL is crucial for securing your database. The root user has full access to all databases and tables in MySQL. Without a password, malicious users could gain unrestricted access to your data. Therefore, it’s essential to set a strong root password and keep it secure.

  3. What does the command ‘select user,host,password from mysql.user;’ do?

    The command ‘select user,host,password from mysql.user;’ is used to display user information in the MySQL database. It returns a table with columns for user, host, and password, showing the details of all users in the MySQL server. This can be useful for verifying user information and troubleshooting security issues.

  4. What is the difference between ‘select user,host,password from mysql.user;’ and ‘select user,host,password from user;’?

    Both commands are used to display user information in the MySQL database. The difference lies in the table they query. The first command queries the ‘mysql.user’ table, which is the standard table for user information in MySQL. The second command queries the ‘user’ table, which may be a custom table in some MySQL configurations. In most cases, they will return the same information.

  5. How can I secure my MySQL database?

    Securing your MySQL database involves several steps. First, set a strong password for the root user and change it regularly. Second, change the bind address if necessary to control where MySQL accepts connections from. Third, regularly update MySQL to the latest version to benefit from security patches. Fourth, limit the privileges of other MySQL users to the minimum necessary for their tasks.

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