Ok so i just started a job working with PHP and Mysql, and i need a good place to learn the basics, everywhere i look its a bit too complex,

any suggestions?

OK... might be in a bit over my head at the moment.
A little background for you:
I've always done scripting in ASP with MS Access database and done development either in Win98 with PWS or XP Pro with IIS. It appears that it is probably time to start delving into PHP. I've stayed away from ASP CMS solutions in the past because they all used tables for layout. However, I've run across a couple php ones that appear to generate pretty compliant code and don't use tables (CMSMS and Drupal) from what I've seen thus far.

So... does anyone have any experience with running PHP under windows XP Pro? How about CMSMS in XP Pro?

Can they be run under IIS or would I need something like Xampp?
If they can run under IIS, can I develop with PHP and/or ASP at the same time? (i.e. be working on an ASP site and then switch over to a PHP site without rebooting or enabling/disabling things in IIS)

Do I understand the following correctly?
I would need MySql or MSSql to take the place of MS Access
I would need PHP to take the place of ASP
I would need something to parse PHP if it can't be run under IIS, this is where Xampp comes in?
If PHP can be run under IIS I would need to change a mime type or something in order for IIS to understand PHP?

Would appreciate any help you all might be able to provide.