• an ASCII editor such as Notepad or Simple Text to type in your HTML code NOTE: Although it is possible to use a word processor like Word and save your files in HTML format, most word processors insert a lot of unnecessary extra code into your files. Since you are just starting out learning the basics of html, you will make your learning process easier by keeping things simple at first.
  
• a web browser like Netscape or Explorer to view your pages.
  
• an HTML reference list. Print this list and keep it handy.

The best place to start learning how to build web sites is by learning html. Just like a pianist starts by learning scales and chords, a web designer starts building the skills by learning the basic html building blocks Although there are many good programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver at affordable prices, you will be a stronger designer if you learn the basics by hand.

This html primer written by Selena Sol includes exercises that will walk you through learning how to perform the most common tasks.

HTML Tutorial
Exercise One
Exercise Three