help needed in web designing

hello to all friends here ...
i want to learn how to design a web-site. I am planning to start this as a hobby and if all goes well, maybe even start a side job as a web-designer. What type of program should I learn? Is Microsoft FrontPage still good to use or is it no longer up-to-speed with other leading web-designing programs.

What other types of programs are out there that will help me with website design. Do you think Macromedia is a good choice? I know it's a bit steep in price but I figure if I am to invest the time to learn the ‘difficult’ program, time is money, why be shy on one and not the other.

What about Adobe? Do they have a web-designing software?

Please share your thoughts. I need help.
thanks for your time