Does MySQL need to be run as a service?

[2xWhiskey]

Hello, I'm getting ready for a third attempt at trying to setup a server to run on the same system as EQ. Anyways, I was wondering if during the MySQL install, is it necessary to install it as a windows service? Doing this really seems to slow down my OS(Win XP Media Center Edition) when loading up. I'f it was an option I'd rather start it up myself when I want to play, since I use my laptop for many other non related things.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Theeper]

I can't think of a reason it needs to be installed as a service, but if you do, set it to "Manual" and you can start it when you need it, and stop it when you're done.

[Zandig]

Originally Posted by Theeper

I can't think of a reason it needs to be installed as a service, but if you do, set it to "Manual" and you can start it when you need it, and stop it when you're done.

This is exactly what I do. Works great.

[2xWhiskey]

Thank you!