[KantianBurke]

Cost really isn't an issue though I'd like to keep things under control. Thanks again

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[hole_n_one]

This belongs in GI, moneybags.

[unspun]

Whatever tools you use, start by studying tables. Tables don't have to be elaborate, they just have to be, so you can get what you want.

[Nataku X]

Hello! I hope you're not doing this for money... there's no money in making websites anymore (at least not unless you're an exceptionally great CG artist or a masterful programmer). Anyway... let's move on...

Do you have a cable or highspeed connection and not anticipating very high traffic? If so, simply download Apache and run it on a computer that will stay turned on and online at all times. Apache is really easy--all you have to do is install it, then look in the configuration file to decide which folder you want as your "website" (like, say, you have your HTML pages and images in C:\website\, you can tell Apache to point it to that. It's simpler than you think)

As for a domain name, there are plenty of cheap suppliers. I got one for $30 for two years, forgot my supplier though and I'm too lazy to do a whois on myself. Anyway, you can buy a domain name, and then pay for a subscription (usually about $30 an year or so) to have a domain forwarded to your computer's IP. Apache will automatically point requests to your website on your computer.

As for software, try doing your HTML in Textpad, which is free (of course, you should register for a mere $20 since it's a wonderful text editor). There's actually a free Photoshop wannabe called GIMP if you don't want to shell out several hundred for Photoshop--they have virtually all of the same commands... a bit less powerful, and its image scaling is a bit worse, but wonderful for most websites' needs.

Anyway, the above is the cheap version. $35 registration + 40/yr DNS forwarding = $75.to run your website for two years.

[visualops]

Alot depends on what type of page you are wanting to build.
Myself, I like Homesite. I don't like the interface of GoLive or Dreamweaver.
I also think it'll be easier for a beginner, yet still has excellent capabilities should you need a program that can also handle site management.
At $99 it's also considerably cheaper. (GoLive and Dreamweaver are each $400) There's a free trial you can download to evaluate the program.
http://www.macromedia.com/software/homesite/productinfo/faq/

[Varmint Al]

There is some info on getting started here:

http://www.varmintal.net/apage.htm

It is kind of a quick start guide to making your very own web page.

[KneelBeforeZod]

look over www.webmonkey.com

get a free site at tripod.com to practice with for a few WEEKS.

THEN buy a program. there are some WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) programs out there.... check out ZDnet.com for reviews.

[T Ruth]

Dreamweaver is a good program, but has a steep learning curve. Microsoft's FrontPage is poor.

[MissBaby]

Are you familiar with MS Word? If so, you will love MS Frontpage. You can find it for about $100 and maybe less on at one of the online auction sites. You don't need the newest version. FrontPage 2000 is fine.

Next, get yourself CorelDraw graphics program. Very powerful and if you get one of the older version (version 8 is fine) you can pick it up for under $30.00 With this program you can manipulate photos and much more. Very worth it.

If you want to compress your pics so they don't make your web page fat and slow, get ULead Gif Animator. Use the Gif Compression feature on this program to make your pics look good and load fast.

Put your pages together on your own computer. Get everything working. Then go find yourself a place to host your domain name. Cost is about $10.00 per month for all you will need to get started.

Upload your site with CUTE FTP. A free download and then they ask for a small contribution. Or you can use Frontpage to upload.

After you upload, all of us can see your site.

Have fun!

[FReepaholic]

Go to Ebay and find an old copy of Adobe PageMill.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

Get "NoteTab Lite" if you want to learn as you go and know the what and why's of how html works. It's free, too.

[Keith in Iowa]

Every PC comes with the easiest to use web page editor - it's called Notepad. < /sarcasm>

Now to answer the question...Macromedia Dreamweaver if you can afford it.

[RedBloodedAmerican]

http://www.notetab.com/ntl.htm

[Capt. Tom]

Starting out, Frontpage would be fine. - Tom

[TomGuy]

If you run IE 4 up, you may already have FrontPage Express installed. It is an ok--basic to get started.

[Mannaggia l'America]

What's the purpose of the web page?

If you don't want to get that deep into HTML, I like MS FrontPage. I'm not recommending it over any of the others because I haven't use the others, but FP works well for me.

If you use FrontPage, you will want to use a web host that supports FrontPage extensions (most do). These extensions, among other things, let you easily manage the site without manually ftp'ing files.

If you hit a mental block in starting the site, there are built-in and third party FrontPage themes and templates available from many places on the web. Most of the themes I've tried seem to make an amateurish looking site, but there are some very nice templates available.

I just recently redesigned the web site for my small biz - I bought a template for $20 and practically just filled in the words (not that simple, but pretty close). It took me a day or two and (IMHO) looks as good as anything a pro would design.

[NewHampshireDuo]

I use HotMetal Pro from SoftQuad mostly because I started with the free version some years ago (no longer avail) and got to like it. The HotMetal Pro package comes with an FTP program (WS_FTP Pro) and an image editor (Photoimpact, full version). For hosting, I moved to Infopop as they include a free (and good) bulletin board with their hosting. All you have to do with the bulletin board is modify the template to suit your needs. Support has been great too.

[Tomalak]

You should actually be able to make a very good page without any extra software bought. That's my advice - save your money. Anyway, here are a few very useful links:

http://www.htmlgoodies.com/tutors/sitelinks.html
http://archive.ncsa.uiuc.edu/General/Internet/WWW/HTMLPrimerP1.html
http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/0-3881-8-5893399-1.html
http://hotwired.lycos.com/webmonkey/teachingtool/html.html

[dware]

Well, if it's just a personal page, you should consider getting a geocities site temporarily, just to mess around with. And Composer would work great for something like that.

[invoman]

Lots of bad advice on this thread. I've seen several posts that are very inaccurate.

I don't have time to respond to each...but it's important to do some looking around before you make a decision.

For the record:

I'm handling the redirect for Joe Millionaire for Google.

Joe Millionaire