lorraine2 things are slowly getting better
What programming background did you come from?
How I did it: I really learn by doing so I jumped right in and set up my own website using PHP. Books and tutorials can only teach you so much but they do make an excellent reference.
Lessons & tips: Put aside some time and answer every question you have on PHP by using Google. Don't move on to another aspect of PHP until you get the first step correct - dot your is and cross your ts.
Resources: Google, sourceforge.net