First Website

Since you don't have any web design or development experience and not overly savvy with computers, iWeb is probably your best bet. Just realize it has limitations that came at a cost of providing an easy to use interface and there are some issues with it at times. Just Google for iWeb problems and issues. I'm not saying to not use it, just realize it can't do everything that others who do have web design and development skills. It's best for static web pages, which sounds like could meet your needs.

I don't have any experience with MobileMe, but it lacks server side languages, which is the biggest turn off for me considering how much it cost. But, if you are only doing static pages and not trying to use any programming, then it will still suit your needs. As far as alternative hosts, there are a number of them, and iWeb does now let you publish the pages on other hosts. You'll find pricing all across the board. Try to look at the details and see what meets your needs. Be aware that there are still a few hosts that don't support iWeb created sites, so you may want to contact the host prior to your decision, but there isn't too many of them.

 

I think finding a reliable webhost is one of the more frustrating aspects of website management! There are thousands of companies to choose from, with pricing packages all over the map. But judging how often they will have downtime, or how fast their servers will be, or how long before they disappear into the night, that's trickier.

I run a website for a non-profit organization which is managed by people who live all over the city. I thought it would be brilliant to set up web-based document management so we could all share it whever we were. Archives of emails, contact lists, documents, training manuals, it was all online, and it was great... until one day the webhost unceremoniously cut off our account. We lost everything, and I had to rethink our strategy...

I'm currently with Dreamhost, and their hosting package is priced similarly. It comes with a lot of features, but that may be moot if you don't plan to use them. So far I'm happy with their service.

If you're happy to pay what Apple charges for MobileMe and are happy with what iWeb can do for you, I'd stay with it.

 

That could work. Or Blogspot (owned by Google). It depends on what kind of content you want to provide on your site, but a blog engine can be quite versatile and there are lots of plugins that people have made.

 

I recommend A Small Orange very highly. $25/year with great support and good load times.

 

I (and judging from what I've seen before, a lot of other people on MacRumors) second that recommendation

 

Also new to iWeb crawling for now

I am also a novice. I don't expect to learn html. I have learned in my life to stick with my strengths. Learning html is not one of them. I do know what I want my website to do right now. I probably see myself evolving to a more sophisticated website. Until I can get a loan or write a business plan, my iWeb based site is geared to help people get more out of their drug therapy. It is still a work in progress--but after 4 days, I am not feeling bad about what I have so far.

Hang in there and spend more time on content.

 

You could consider using something like Blogger.com. The sites can be configured quite distinctly and it's up there ready to no matter where you are in the world. Easy to update, upload photos', etc. No hosting to worry about, no bills, yada yada yada.

Blogger.com is just one of many.