[Qgis-user] Importing Open Street Map files

[Mick]

I need to import several Open Street Map .osm files in such a way that
I get a separate column for each and every tag in the files.

I have tried various tweaks to the XML source without success.

I had a go at creating a mysql database but ended up with a mess due to
my limited knowledge.

I looked at using postgress but can't get anywhere with it.

I even looked at the source code for the OSM import plugin but python is
too different to C for me to make sense of.

I'm getting prematurely old and don't absorb knowledge as easily as I
once could.

Could some kind soul point me to crib sheets, how-tos, tools or other
guidance to get me going.

The tools I have available are ArchLinux with QGIS 1.7, mysql,
postgress, grass & MapInfo 7.8.

The area I'm interested in covers Cornwall, Devon & Dorset north to the
top of the Cottswolds.

mick