Getting Started

Hey,

I really want to learn how to use databases in my programs, but I have no idea where to start. I searched Google but there is so much information that I think I need someone to point me in the right direction. Any newbie tutorials for databases, the best type of database to use, etc etc. Thanks.

Also, I read over this:
http://www.java-forums.org/java-tuto...nectivity.html
But I'm rather confused with it. I need something a bit more basic, I guess.