Installing WorkBench on Mac (Yosemite)

[M M]

Hi All,

I've recently downloaded and installed the following:

mysql-5.5.47-osx10.9-x86_64.dmg
mysql-workbench-community-6.3.6-osx-x86_64.dmg

I was after a simple database to practice on. Needless to say I've not succeeded...errors range from a server that will no longer start (once stopped) to being asked for a 'root' password I didn't actually set in the first place.

I've tried changing port numbers; uninstalling; reinstalling the both downloads and a host of terminal commands found on-line (try '-u root ...' etc) but no joy.

A scan of some forums has confused matters more as some 'Mac' ... folk seem to have installed mysql but have other issues; while other folk say one can't run mysql on a Mac - which seems strange since the site offers '.dmg' download options.

I guess my question is has anyone successfully got mysql to work in the last 12 months (on a Mac)? If yes is there a site that outlines "in laymen's terms" how to do this.

In all honesty - I'd be happy going old school and simply create DBs/tables using the Terminal(Command Prompt) but I guess the worlds moved on.

Any assistance would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks...
M