Been reading this book, "Building Social Web Applications" by Gavin Bell, O'Reilly publications, so far from reading chapters 1 - 3, I believe I understand that creating/maintaining my own website involves a number of things, among which are key questions (for want of a better way of putting this, perhaps):

--what type of site do I want?

A: a message board;

--who's my audience?

A: users of Adobe/3D modeling/PC game creation/adventure gaming application/computers/networks, software,

--am I encouraging new social relationships or supporting existing ones?

A: supporting existing relationships.

--what types of social content will my site cater to?

A: Adventure/other gaming/creating movies/photos/graphic novels/computer/networking repair/upgrading/hardware and the discussion of these subjects,

--any special interest board?

A: Yes, a special forum devoted to Christianity/how these other interests are centered around Christianity (since my website will be centered around Christianity/the Church, as virtually all the adventure gaming message boards i currently belong to do not ALLOW discussions pertaining to Christianity/the Church.

Also, I understand for it to thrive/retain the people that come to my site, the site has to have a warm atmosphere for people to want to hang out at my site where they can post messages and expect/receive future return for these messages.

(this is all I can think of at the moment, as I've READ I need to keep my website small and simple when first starting out.)

I believe that there are some ISP's that allow for a free place on the web in which to host such a website, I shall have to ask our ISP sometime regarding this.

My website will allow for posting images/youtube videos

This site will not be for some time down the road, I need to take a server class/website class at school in ORDER to learn the basics, when the website is launched, I hope to invite all the members from the other message boards where I'm a member to join my new website (note) I'm not trying to advertise, this is only another hobby (if it can be considered a hobby, that is).

To tell the truth, I know next to nothing (except what little I read in that book at this point) about KEEPING a website/message board, thus I'm asking about exactly what's involved, getting people to volunteer as the mods - I'll be the admin/computer/network tech support (after I gain enough experience, that is), my responsibilities, etc,

So considering all that I've mentioned, what website creation software is the best to use?

Is there any open-source website/message board creation/hosting software available for free?

Any (and all) input will be appreciated in response to my questions pertaining to this website of mine (especially as I understand the need to plan, plan & plan/do my HOMEWORK beforehand).

Many thanks in advance.