title: Connecting to a database using a WPF application
body: <p>I've started getting into WPF not so long ago.<br>
  As I'm in the stage of learning MVVM, I'm using <a href="http://rachel53461.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/simplemvvmexample/" rel="nofollow">THIS</a> tutorial.  </p>
  
  <p>Following that tutorial I now have a basic project that involves products.<br>
  The next thing I want to do, is <em>learn how to connect to a database and store/retrieve information from it.</em></p>
  
  <p>My question is, <strong>what are the available ways to connect to a database? what is the best, efficient way to do it?</strong></p>
  
  <p>Also, <strong>can WPF applications connect to an hosted mysql database (the ones used for websites)?</strong></p>
  
  <p>I'm using VS2012 if that makes any difference. </p>
  
  <p>Excuse my newbie-ness! I'm still just a beginner!
  Thank you in advance!</p>