Is php similar to C++? (Is the syntax similar)
Yes
-Where can I get the BEST, FREE web hosting that supports PHP and can be used to create Message Boards and such?
No idea. The best hosts are generally pay hosts, although if you want to find a good free one try searching google.com
-Is PHP embedded into HTML?
HTML may be embedded in PHP
-Do I need to download anything learn PHP? (MySQL, PHP 4.0)
All you need is a web server with PHP installed on it. Your host can provide that, or you can set up your own. If you want to setup your own, i suggest apache as a webserver, and you can download php from php.net
-What is MySQL, anyway? What does it even do?
Free database. Works with PHP to develop your web applications.
Cgraz
