Being an eternal pessimist, I held back on progressing my idea of starting a freelance translation business until I got the results of my exam. Now that I have passed it, and particularly since I have some time on my hands at the moment, it seems an appropriate time to set some wheels in motion.

Like every business worth its salt, I need a website. It only needs to be simple - a few pages on what I do and how to contact me. But I want it to look professional as it will essentially be my shop window.

I have found a domain name which is available, but I'm afraid I'm a bit hazy on what I need to do to get it all up and running. This is where you, my readers, might be able to help.

As I understand it, I need to:

• Buy the domain. It seems that I can buy it from a number of different vendors at a number of different prices with a number of different options to include in the package. What should I be looking for?
  
  
• Find someone to "host" the site. Any recommendations? Many of the domain companies offer hosting packages too but are these any good or am I better off using a dedicated hosting company?
  
  
• Design, set up and maintain the site or find someone to do this for me. Do I need to buy some web design software and if so what? Any recommendations?

Geeks, I need your advice!

No jargon, please. As many of us know, possession of a blog does not a web-techie make!