I'm trying to get a bit more aware of all the necessary steps to successfully set up a web site. Are there any existing (free) information sites that you are familiar with that can take me from A to Z?

Where’s the best place to secure a domain name? What’s the best hosting service? What is the best web building software package (Mac only, please). What special considerations need to be made to include retail? What provides the best security? ‘Preciate any links you can throw my way.