I have used a combination of using open source code and writing my own to build this website. For myself, I have a degree in CIS, and while I did not study HTML per se in college, I did study in depth most programming languages (Java, C++, SQL, Assembly Language, and of course the now defunct COBOL). With programming, once you understand the basics, you can pretty much go from there. As you mentioned, a good reference book is worth its weight in gold. I have used ASP and database coding with SQL (for the guestbook and the forum) in building this website, and I referenced the book I purchased quite frequently.
This is kind of going off the beaten track here, lets see if I can help you with the tools to help build your site.
HTML PROGRAMS FOR DESIGNING WEBPAGES
Microsoft FRONTPAGE
Dreamweaver http://www.macromedia.com/
There are many programs out there that can be used to help design a website. Many people don't like Frontpage, I for one prefer Dreamweaver, but Frontpage is useful in some ways. In many cases I go to a text editor, and just open the file itself and change some settings. That is where a good reference book is handy, one that has a breakdown of all the current HTML tags (ie table, bold, frame, etc..) and the proper modifiers. A good program like Front page or Dreamweaver will let you design the site in a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) format, and you don't have to see the underlying code.
PROGRAMMING RESOURCES ASP/JAVA
http://www.aspcode.net/newaspcode/index.php
http://www.aspfree.com/
http://www.aspin.com/ (really good site)
http://www.asp101.com/links/index.asp
http://www.freecode.com/index/
http://www.codebrain.com/
So, you want to add a chat room, forum, poll, marquee, news, hit counters, guestbook or whatever... chances are, someone has already done the work, and they posted the code for free. Here are some starting points for places you can go to that people have posted their code, and directions on how to use it. It will take a little more knowledge on your part to make it fit with your site.
OPEN SOURCE PROJECTS
Source Forge http://sourceforge.net/
SNITZ Forums http://forum.snitz.com
There are some good ongoing projects with open source (ie, the code is free), and people are developing some excellent applications, such as this forum, which is coded in ASP, and is being developed by SNITZ forums. Others are also out there.
Source Forge is a large listing of a wide variety of open source programs that are currently underway.
HOSTING PROVIDER
Definitive Hosting (Linux servers, PHP support) http://www.definitivehosting.com
Definitive Hosting (Windows servers, ASP support) http://www.definitivehosting.net
You have all the tools, you have the code, you have the knowledge, now where are you going to host your website? A lot of ISPs bundle a free web page with your monthly internet package, but they are in many cases bandwidth limited, and also limited in size of the website. Things to consider:
Bandwidth: How much transmission per month your site is allowed, ie how many times people can view your website. A lot depends on how big each of your web pages are, if you have pics and downloads.
Storage: How much space on their servers you get with the package, 5mbs, 100mbs, etc, to store your files. Once again, this is dependent on what you are designing, if just a text based, then your site would easily weigh in under 5mbs.
Code Support: Are you going to be needed database support (to run a chat, forum, guestbook, etc), so you might need that. Also, are you running ASP based programs (such as this forum you are viewing).
Overall cost: Does your hosting provider give you a good return on your money, ie are you getting a lot of bandwidth, storage, and support for a good value? Also, what other bennies are thrown in? Mailboxes, FTP, remote access... and the list goes on.
And the final thing you have to think about is registering a Domain Name, in some cases, a Hosting Provider will throw it in as part of a package deal with the website. You can also search for an unused name from the registering authorities, such as Network Solutions http://www.netsol.com
For myself, I am transitioning to my 3rd hosting provider in two years since the site was created by Steve Wilkins. The bandwidth and storage requirements have gone up considerably, and I have had to hunt in search of better and more cost effective deals. Also, we have put a lot of time into revamping the look and feel of the website, especially the gallery, which we are putting the final touches on. Our new provider, as mentioned above is Definitive Hosting.
Whew, a lot of information, but you can see how in depth you can get on this subject. I definitely know a lot more now about website admin, then I did 2 years ago. A lot depends on how indepth you wish to go in the design, and what features you are looking for. As for books, I have a bookshelf full of them, but that is back in Hawaii, right now I am on deployment, so I don't have any that I can recommend. Just go to Barnes and Nobles, or whatever book store you have, and take a good look at the reference books, and find one that seems to help answer your questions. Usually the QUE series of books are good, but there is a wide variety out there.
If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to drop me a line, best of luck with the site, when you get it together, provide me with the link so I can post it.
-- John
