Oracle syntax

Hi list. I am a newbie and would like to ask if anyone could give me the proper syntax for connecting with oracle DB. For example with MySQL it is: mysql_connect..., mysql_query... For MS SQL Server: mssql_connect..., mssql_query... What would be for oracle? TIA RS This e-mail, including attachments, may include confidential and/or proprietary information, and may be used only by the person or entity to which it is addressed. If the reader of this e-mail is not the intended recipient or his or her authorized agent, the reader is hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender by replying to this message and delete this e-mail immediately.