ive never used php before so i know near to nothing of how to build it into a site. could someone explain the basics.
does it work like a java script or something, only with making the site extension a .PHP insted of .htm ?

javascript works on the client side, while PHP works on the server side. all PHP codes are processed on the server first, then the output is sent to the client/user.

ok, knew that but how to actually set them up is what i don't have a clue with

setting up php? or coding in php?

php by itself is basically helpless. what you want to set up is php-mysql-apache to
fully utilize the powers of these three components for a dynamic website. if this is
what you want, there are 3-in-1 installations. one of which is xammp (apachefriends.org). another is easyphp (just search the forums for the link or google
it.) or you can individually download php, mysql, and apache from their official sites
(but making them work together on your own is very tricky, so stick with the 3-in-1
installations).

tutorial sites for coding in php are aplenty here. just search the forums. php has a
section all to itself here. http://www.trap17.com/forums/index.php?showforum=59

Cheers!

If you want to learn php, html, asp, javascript, i'm sorry but you have to read a lot , i'm saying that because it's the best way to realy learn something.
You can ask all the questions you want and if i can help you i will, but i advice you to read first then ask the questions or else it's going to be harder not just for you but to the people that are going to help.

The basics to php you can find in the oficial website of php - php.net, or better, in the websites of php developers, you can find in google websites of php with the keywords:

"php developers" ; "download php scripts" ; "forun(s) about php" ; "forun(s) about php" etc..., just use your mind to it, just think in other good few keywords and google will help you.

Asp or active server pages and php or personal home page are server side, i mean, the scripts run in the server side au contraire to html or javascript, this two ones the script or code runs in the client side, that means that takes more time to load the pages, depending on your connection speed and other things.

Well, if you want e-books about this or about webdesign, just email me and i will send you the links or the files.


Carpe diem.

find for sites with tutorials like http://www.w3schools.com/