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Scott
If you are an amatour, you should use easier to learn PHP, for instance Yii
You can read more about its benefits comparing to other PHP in this article
http://webinerds.com/seven-cmss-consider-designing-website/
When you become more aware of how it works you can try to begin your work with Symphony 2
Some tutorial
I also consider to share with you my research results:
http://www.htmlgoodies.com/beyond/php/article.php/3907521
Updating the PHP is a far better way, other than weeping over the split milk. If you are updating the PHP regularly then you will get the better results and if you are not doing so then you surely will face the brunt of your slackness.