learning
If you want to learn from home and are just beginning then the BBC web site is worth a visit. Their guide to using a computer is free, interactive and covers some of the basics. www.bbc.co.uk/computertutor/computertutorone/index.shtml
A book, 'Computing for beginners, the basics explained in plain English' by Lynn Manning has excellent reviews and boasts no computer jargon. The information is set out in an easy to understand, step-by-step format with clear illustrations and detailed explanations.
If you're looking for a computer course in the U.K. either full or part time then a good place to track one down is a site not trying to sell you anything, just give you leads to find courses near to where you live. www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/ ImprovingYourSkills/DG_10037436
The Open University is worth checking out as they provide quite a range of computing modules. They offer free online learning for all, with many of the courses given a rating by past students. www.openlearn.open.ac.uk.
designing your own web site
If you're wanting to design a web site yourself then there is one book really worth reading before you start. 'The Principles of Beautiful Web Design' by Jason Beaird, published by Sitepoint, is an easy read and an inspirational one too. The author's aim is to present design principles, which should form the basis of any web site design, in a way anyone can understand and apply. Whether or not you are a trained designer it's worth investing in a copy of this, not just for the content but for the many useful resources he gives to get you inspired.
There are many web site authoring packages out there and you have to decide which best suits your purpose, pocket and technical expertise. Adobe products are not the cheapest but are very much the industry standard for web design these days. However, there are a number of other options available. Whichever route you choose it's worth bearing in mind that designing web sites using valid code and CSS styling is the way to go, so those aspects of any software you consider purchasing should be investigated.
