Help 4 the Technically challenged!

[Cash--]

O.K.
Here is my delimma, I need to learn something, and I want some advice about the best place to start.

I have never created a website, and I very much need to learn how.
I think I have a couple good hosts lined up, but both require ftp and possibly web editing programs.

At work, My Boss has purchased a domain name, and in a couple of months I am supposed to help him pick out a computer...
I will likley be creating files like recipies and other mundane stuff for him. But I get the sinking feeling that he wants me to create a web page for the resturant as well.

I thought It would be best if I got a little experience creating one for myself first.
SO Here I am asking for

Where Do I start?........Should I look for a copy of frontpage? Or should I start learning HTML......and if so, where is a good place to start?---Should I buy a book?....Is there a good instructional site online?
Should I mess around with an evaluation version of CuteFTP or is there a good free FTP client available?