http://tizag.com/ coding examples to get you started...... http://www.w3schools.com/ learn webdesign through internet.....
Being a great designer only comes with a time and practice. There are thousands of people out there who are designers but not so many 'great designers'. Learn how to use the tools of the trade first and then work on mastering them. Greatness comes with practice. Good luck too.
@visualz-- Totally agree with you dude, i am in the Web Programing field, but still designin, is a difficult task for me.. @Danish01 -- Good luck dude.. The best option to start up with Photoshop..
To become a Designer frist you should lean HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop,Java script,and Flash for free online learning visit w3schools.com
w3schools learn html and css. Search youtube for html/css tutorial. Learn and fully understand how to set up basic layouts, and then move on from there.
What the hell are you people on about? A designer is someone who works with Photoshop, illustrator and such. Not HTML, CSS, Javascript etc! That's what a front-end developer does.
Don't think art is essential, you need a good understanding of usability, what works and what doesn't. Personally I would start learning html and css. If you can't afford Photoshop you can use gimp which is free. This site is good for beginners http://www.good-tutorials.com/ Good luck!
I see alot of "designers" who compile other people's work to create a new image. I think if they had real confidence in their artistic ability they would be able to create completely new images.