mysqli Update help (2 replies)

Hi all
I have a vps with mysql 5.1 latest according to my list i know there are new updates / versions but

im using a new web pages php which need mysqli im totally lost cannot find how to update to a version that inc this it will be installed safely without upsetting my current mysql on vps i have full access to root but i dont want to mess anything up
is there away i can update version of mysql to include mysqli
i presume mysqli is part of mysql or is it part of php ?

thanks for any help

jack