I'm a virtual pro when it comes to PHP and MySQL, but now I would like to put together a business suite as a windows application.

My questions are few but major...

1. Where is the best site to learn VB for windows if you have NO knowledge of VB?

2. What is the best FREE software to use... I don't want to spend a dime to learn or start building apps (couldn't afford it anyway).

3. What are the best free installers and ways to encrypt the software for mass distribution with individual user keys... (in php it would just be in the programming and database)

4. What is the best db to use for apps that will rely on 100% data being kept on a data storage server w/ no local information resident on the user's PC.

5. Finally, while I know it's a long shot.... are there any quick methods to transfer PHP apps to VB??? The application I'm building will have several hundred php files (if you count all of the .inc files) so I know it may not be possible.

Any help or advice is appreciated.