So many directions to go with DB training

Hello,

I am fairly new to the DB discipline. I have read various publications, posts, etc which frankly, gets a little confusing. I have experience with some web programing, JS, jQuery and I have scratcheed the surface of SQL.

I guess I am wondering which road to take to begin learning DB programming/management. For instance, should I get a copy of MySQL on my home computer, start setting up tables, adding data, make a connection to it with web services, and just play around like that? What other sorts of things should I use behind the scenes; PHP, Java, etc?

What are the most common tools out there?

Some might ask me what I plan to do with databases. At this point I just want to concentrate on the subjects that will help me the most in general. Right now I do mostly web stuff but I want to broaden my knowledge of DB possibly working towards more of a DB geared job.

Thanks for any help or resources that might help.

You can install MySql or sql express on your computer and try them, they are free and come with complete document.