You want a host that has few downtimes and will still be in business six months from now. This deal can't be beat. It IS possible to create web pages with an ordinary text editor or word processor. But you wouldn't WANT to. FrontPage is an industry leading software package from Microsoft that is very easy to use.
Trial versions are usually available.
Graphic Software A graphics software package is required for creating logos, buttons and cleaning up scanned photographs. Although it happened to be included with the scanner I purchased, I can still highly recommend Ulead's PhotoImpact . FTP Explorer is free of charge, provided you meet their criteria for usage. Scanner A scanner is a MUST for capturing photographic images into files for your site. Don't buy the cheapest OR the most expensive unit available.