You shouldn't be compiling your own packages. Then you have to pay close attention to bug fixes, new versions, etc. Instead, sudo apt-get install python-mysqld

You shouldn't be compiling your own packages. Then you have to pay close attention to bug fixes, new versions, etc. Instead, sudo apt-get install python-mysqldb See: http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/11/11/installing-mysql-on-ubuntu http://diveintomark.org/archives/2007/11/11/installing-mysql... [edit: I know you are talking about shared hosting plans, which are a different beast, but the general rule that you shouldn't compile your own stuff is still valid.]