WAMP server Problem and Correct way to install PHP and MySQL???

Hello everyone,

I have installed WAMP server on my PC. Then I have installed the MySQL 
and PHP software by downloading them from the site. The PHP programs I 
have written used to work fine but when I tried to connect to the MySQL 
database or create a new database using the PHP programming nothing 
happens in the browser. I do not know what happened. After several 
attempts I finally uninstalled the MySQL and PHP programs and then when 
I tried to connect to the MySQL usin PHP it worked fine I do not know 
the reason for this. Can anyone tell me what the reason is?

Further more I would like to install PHP and MySQL along with a server 
like APACHE. But I do not know where to download the APACHE server from. 
Also When I install PHP and MySQL how do I link PHP and MySQL so that 
they work in tandem.

Would be great if anyone can clear these doubts. I know that these are 
very basic questions but I am a starter.

Thanks,
Sashi