new with server side internet pages

Dear friends, I'm absolutely new with server side internet pages. So I would like to know which technology is the best to learn. I would like to use Dreamweaver Ultradev as my developing package. So which kind of pages I should create? Is it better if I use ASP or PHP pages? Do you know a good book to buy? Furthermore if I use UltraDev is it needed for me to learn asp or php?

Finally I would like to know if exist a free web hosting service that supports php pages....infact I've found one that supports asp pages but none php!!!


Thank you all once again,


Andrea

I personally prefer PHP because it's open-source and a whole bunch of developers around the world are able to help you with your problems, where as ASP is Microsoft. PHP is easier to learn, while ASP is a little more advance IMHO. It all depends on what you prefer.

For PHP books I recommend Professional PHP Program. And the following web sites have helped me learn PHP.
http://www.php.net
http://www.zend.com
http://www.webmonkey.com
http://www.devshed.com
http://www.phpbuilder.com