I have always used Access for my DB's and the world is really going more towards SQL databases which is understandable since PHP is getting so popular and its free source. I really dont know a lot about SQL and I have used sql 2005 databases for a website that was hosted on a clients server but other than that I really dont know the whole story. I was curious where you folks started out and how you got more familiar with sql. I was debating on going back to school for some classes on select areas but I think it might be a waste of money if its something I could learn on my own. Any thoughts?

I bought a book for about 9.99 a couple of years ago and that was my first dip into PHP and MySQL

http://www.ineasysteps.com/books/details/?1840782072

The book (above) is called PHP In Easy Steps and I found it so easy to learn from. It definately lives up to it's title.

Beyond that, I find that searching Google for what you need to know usually yields good examples you can work from to build up your knowledge.

It's better to learn through actually making something I found. Learning it "in theory" never really works as well.

Since you have done quite a bit with Access and MSSQL, it would be easier for you to pick up MySQL, as certain concept are similar. Like HadCoder suggested, you can try getting a book on PHP MySQL with examples and go through the book, try coding the examples and you should be fine after completing the book.

MySQL has excellent documentation
http://dev.mysql.com/doc/

Pickup any book on mysql from the market and learn it yourself,it will save you money and time, nothing really hard about it, you learn on your own easily. If you run into anything you don't understand we're here to help you out. You can even use the mysql documentation which is pretty good and comprehensive.