I recall when I first started at having the same feeling of anxiousness and even fear, expecially when it comes to the database. Still have it too. One very important thing to remember is to always "ALWAYS" backup your database before making any changes to it. And truthfully, for normal operations you shouldn't have to modify your database very often at all if ever.

If you have Cpanel from a hosting provider check with their support section/FAQs on using the Cpanel to set up a database. I thought it was- this hard, time consuming process riddled with geekno babble etc that only a person with a PHD in MySql would be able to understand. It wasn't and isn't, not for just setting one up.

At my host, I simply:
- input the name in their form field and hit enter.
- then right down the "full" name of the data base created by the host cpanel program.
- then input a user name, and password
- right down the "full" user name generated and the password lest I forget.
- then grant access to me (the user) to the database with All Priveledges

Viola! Database created!

It is empty, but it stands ready for XOOPS installation. XOOPS install and all subsequent module installations automate the creation of the Tables in the database as well as some data population of those tables. You very rarely have to touch the MySql database itself ever, but if for some reason you do, pertaining to XOOPS core or modules, folks around here, the FAQs and the new Documents site will normally if not always get you through the problems.

First time (once I got the courage) took me about 30 mins. After that, the initial empty database creation can take only about 8 minutes sometimes less depending on internet speed and server load.

I think your idea to use XOOPS for your project is excellent! And once you get the database created you can be up and running with a really descent running site in no time at all (but watch out for the Xooper Bug it's contangious)

Hope the helps!

Quest