Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) describes how text and graphics should be displayed on the WorldWide Web. Browsers like Microsoft Explorer and Netscape Navigator interpret HTML to display the fun and informative stuff you see while cruising.
I have some small experience and skill in several programming languages. With that perspective, I can tell you that HTML is dirt simple. If you have any background in programming -- even Lotus macros -- you can probably handle HTML. It reminds me of old text formatting languages like Digital Standard Runoff. Knowledge of DSR should instantly qualify me as an Old Fart, but I don't really know anything about it; I have only seen a few examples.
My point: if you want to write a Web page, try it! It's pretty easy. You can start with NCSA's HTML Primer. You really don't need Web publishing software; so far (July, 1998) I have written all this with a generic text editor. The result looks somewhat plain-Jane, but it has a high "data-to-ink ratio" (borrowing Dr. Edward Tufte's phrase), and it loads quickly.
If you prefer jazzier appearance, see these examples of fonts and colors.