AHHHHHHHHHHHHH snowman7000 speaks the truth... lol and I thought web design was easy... lol well it is... just depends how you look into it...
http://www.w3schools.com/ check this out it will be handy for picking up basic knowledge of coding for websites... looks like a lot to learn but you can pick up the basics of html, xhtml and even some java script by doing like an hour a day for a week... lol
But yeah use a html editor such as frontpage or dreamweaver... if you can get hold of them that is... ok I agree they dont code the code the way most people like it but they do code the code for you... and then allow you to see the code its perfect for someone just starting up.... they help you understand....
As in turn for graphics photoshop for the win to be honest.... but thats a hefty price to pay for a first website idea... so try out GIMP I recommend it hell my university recommends it City University London... well the graphic lecturers do... say they'd go with it over photoshop simply because its FREE....
Well there is a lot of jargon to learn, but dont be scared... and + dont be afraid to ask for help lots of guys out there who would help for free just as long as u let them add the parts they did to there portfolio....
Hope my small words of wisdom help...