Are there any other ways to manage mysql besides using PhpMyAdmin?

Yes there's plenty of webbased scripts available at hotscripts.com

You can also use the program 'mysql' to connect to the database and work with it directly (you'll need a good understanding of mysql).

Another option is to use one of the many mysql front-end programs (non webbased).

im more interested in the front-end.... got any off the top of your head?

My personal favorite for Windows is mysqlfront. Unfortunately, it's no longer in development and the author has pulled the download from his site but you can download it here:

http://www.dwam.net/mysql/win32_clients.asp#mysqlfront

Note that it works just fine even though it's no longer developed (and it is/was a free program).

Thanks for your help... im going to look into it :)

I like using MySQL Control Center. You can find it at http://www.mysql.com

Check this one out: http://ems-hitech.com/mymanager/

Very powerful.