PHP is pretty easy to learn, quite honestly. Just go here:
http://us3.php.net/manual/en/index.php
When you are ready to begin more advanced development, use this:
Classes and Objects (PHP5):
http://us3.php.net/zend-engine-2.php
PHP5 now has many of the OO features included in Java. In my opinion, PHP would be the way to go. You get the object oriented functionality, security, as well as open source licensing.
Let's clear up a misconception: PHP cannot be encoded/compiled.
If you want your code encoded/compiled, you can purchase an encoder/compiler direct from Zend. There are also many other companies which provide compilers as well.
Not to mention, the open source community. Do a search for almost any PHP problem you encounter, and 90% of the time it has already been asked and answered online.
If you are looking for a web based solution, PHP is the way to go. I would ask yourself this, after reading about PHP:
Can you find the same, free, answers and documentation so readily available for ASP as PHP? Also consider the licensing issues, and how it pertains to your situation.