Switching to Apache from IIS

Is it worth it - need some advice

[5x54u]

The more serious my needs become for the knowledge of server configurations, the more this little echo goes off in my head - Switch to Apache, IIS is limiting you....echo echo echo.

My exclusively MS IIS host is willing to install Apache and remove IIS on one of my servers I host with him but has professed no knowledge of Apache and excluded himself from technical support for my server, if I make the switch. This frightens me as I too currently have no knowledge of Apache from a backend perspective rather only its cool tricks and more script friendly environment.

So my question is; is it that difficult to learn Apache? I have been running all versions of IIS on my local development boxes in the office with no issues at all.

Is it as easy to restart Apache if it stops - fails?

Can anyone recco an Apache for Dummies book?

Thank you in advance for advice and commentary.