I am completely new to Web Design and I would like to know where to begin. Should I start with studying up on HTML and then
move on to xHTML / CSS? And what is Javascript, PHP, Coldfusion? All these terms makes me a bit confused lol.

Also, what software would you recommend I get? How much do you really rely on the program, and how much of the work
is dependent on the coding? I can most likely get a student discount for Dreamweaver (which is the only software
that I've heard of for webdesign...well besides Frontpage LOL).

Are there any books you'd recommend I read to learn the basics of web design?

I consider myself a fairly creative person and I can easily think up ideas for a site layout wise, I just need
to learn the process it takes in order to bring the site to life. I'm not sure
what the typical workflow for web designing is, but for me I'd
like to be able to draw out on paper first the basic template for the site and then be able to create it using the coding,
and photoshop.

Which language allows for the most flexibility? I would like
to eventually be able to create fairly complex sites. I have enough knowledge in Photoshop to create
whatever graphics I need btw.