Replying to Best way to start a WEBSITE

I was wondering how to start a website. like whats the easiest way. A couple dudes on this site have some pretty good websites, like the H30,two plank, penguin milk. I know you have to run it off a server and shit. And if you want a good one you prolly have to pay a fee right? I saw that freewebs.com thing and it looks pretty gay. I took a HTML class in school and want to try it out. So if anyone has any info or expereience please help.

Thanks