As Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatu Allah:
Insha Allah the e-books that I listed for you should answer those questions. I am no scholar nor student of deen. But one of the things that Allah does not punish for is mistakes and ignorance that is not purposeful. If you tried to learn but the info was not available to you, then you are not held accountable and Insha Allah the salat was accepted.
You are held accountable for what you know of the deen, not for what you don't know as long as you made the effort to learn. If you made no effort to learn this blessed deen, then you are accountable for your ignorance and the things you do as a result of it.
In the collection of Imam Malik's Muwatta, there is a hadith sahih (authentic hadith) that says more or less in english...
Allah forgives forgetfulness, genuine mistakes, and those things which one is forced to do.
Your lack of knowledge of these things leaves you to mistakes, not to intentionaly abandoning the pillars & obligations of salat which could nullify the prayer. Wa Allahu a'lam (And Allah knows best).
Here are a couple of sites that contain fatawa. These may help with future questions.
http://www.fatwa-online.com/worship/prayer/index.htm
http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/
You will find various fatawa here on different issues. Fasting, salat, marriage etc...
May Allah facilitate ease for you, Ameen