MySQL query

i need info on other querying functions (ex LIKE) and the syntax with using each.

SELECT * FROM table WHERE name like 'b%'

This will echo all results where the field called name that begins with the letter b.

if you want to limit the amount of results then add LIMIT 0,20 to the end.. this limits it to 20 results

I think the best you can do is get a book about SQL and read it there, it'll be more helpfull to you.
I recommend:

Teach Yourself SQL in 24 Hours
by Stephens and Plew.
Published by sams.

Altho it's not mySQL specific, you'll find it very helpfull.

You did look at http://www.mysql.com/documentation/mysql/commented didn't U?