So, I am
looking to convert my old Access database I have used for many
 years to a MySQL database, with the expectation that I will eventually
 publish it on a web page for public lookup. 
 I don't know what you're looking at for the front end of this project,
 but have you considered SQLite for the database engine back end?  If
 not, you might take a look at 
www.sqlite.org - it's an extremely nice
 bit of software, if not for this project, then perhaps others.
 ~~
 Mark Moulding
  
 
No, I would not consider it.  I have experience with it on my Garmin GPS
unit.  I really dislike it.
JRJ