>I've never designed a Web site, I figure it's about time to start :-). Any recommendations on tools and books greatly appreciated.

No matter what tool you use, you're going to have to learn HTML. Look for the book "HTML 4 for the Worldwide Web" from Peachpit Press. It has very concise and clear examples and is well organized. It also tells you where things are different for Netscape and IE.

You're also going to need to learn some java script. Peachpit also has a great book for that.

As I recall, each book is around $16.00.