Web-Building Program

Web-building can be done many ways.  If you've ever saved a Word document or PowerPoint presentation as a webpage, then you're an accomplished web-builder.  The trick is getting the webpage you've created into public space.  If you've already got webspace -- either through a free service or a paid service -- then all you have to do is upload the webpage you've created, and, voila, instant website. To upload, though . . .

There are a few programs that I'd recommend as far as transferring the content from your desktop into cyberspace.  One is an FTP program called SmartFTP, located at http://www.smartftp.com The thing I like about it is that it's free, but the paid version gives you a few extra bells and whistles.  Of course, all an FTP program does move content -- it doesn't help you build it.
If you're already comfortable with Microsoft Word, the program I'd suggest is Microsoft FrontPage.  It's a good beginners program and operates enough like Word to make it easy for Word users.  The chief difference, in fact, is that when you click 'save,' your content is saved online rather than on your desktop. It's also inexpensive -- coming in at only $69.99 via educational discount -- you can order it through CostCaptain.com or through the rep your institution uses.
If you're already comfortable with the idea of web-building, then I'd suggest Adobe (formerly Macromedia) DreamWeaver 8, which is the Chrysler of web-building programs, coming in at $199 via educational discount, which is almost three times the cost of FrontPage.  The difference between DreamWeaver and FrontPage, moreover, is the difference between this webpage and the one you'll see when you go to Macromedia's website.  Things created with DreamWeaver just seem to look better.  For a hundred dollars extra, moreover, you can get the entire Studio 8 package, with not only Dreamweaver, but also Flash Professional, Fireworks, Contribute and FlashPaper. (Don't buy it, though, through the Macromedia site at $399; rather, go to CampusTech's site and buy it for $289.85.)