MySQL beginner help!!

I installed Mysql server and client on same machine.

How do I log in to the database

Used

mysqladmin -h 'localhost' version

error is
can't connect to MySql server(111)

I am reading the tutorials and FAQs but somehow I'm lost.

Thanks in advanced.

You should first run mysql_install_db. This will build 'mysql' and 'test'.
Then try 'safe_mysqld'.
As root, you should be able to connect by now.
#mysql --user=root mysql
mysql> show databases;
You should see:

+----------+
| Database |
+----------+
| mysql |
| test |
+----------+
2 rows in set (0.00 sec)
Remember, you need to create user and set appropriate privileges, do not use 'root' all the time. Please post mysql-related questions to 'mysql' section.
Thanks.