Here is step by step way to run mysql for linux:

Open a terminal.
TIP: In the Linspire Linux distribution, you click Run Programs, then Utilities, then Terminal Program (Konsole).

When the terminal window opens,
TIP: In my Linux distribution, the prompt is followed by a #

# means you're giving Linux commands as the Root user. As the Root user, you can add/delete/modify any file on the computer. On other Linux distributions the terminal prompt is followed by a $

$ means you're giving commands as a regular user.

If your terminal prompt is followed by a $, type:
su
at the prompt.

Then press the ENTER key on your keyboard.
Giving the su command allows you to give commands as the "Super User," or Root user, of the computer.


TIP : At the Password prompt, type:
YourRootUserPassword


Not this particular word, of course, but the actual Root password for the Linux computer.
Then press the ENTER key.
Notice the prompt has changed from
[yourusername@localhost yourusername]$
to
[root@localhost yourusername]#


There's now a # at the end of the prompt. This means you are now giving commands as the Root user. You must be the Root user to start MySQL.


Type: /etc/init.d/mysql start


Then press ENTER.


This starts the MySQL server—the program mysql in the /etc/init.d/ directory.


TIP: If you are not sure whether or not the MySQL Server is running, type:
/etc/init.d/mysql status


If it's running, the window will look like this:





From : In Pictures: Online computer tutorials based on pictures. Free.