Web design and graphics courses---What would you recommend?

Hi…

I am considering taking some web design courses including graphic design. I am not going to undertake a formal course of study or anything, so I was wondering (for those of you who are familiar with this subject) what programs would I need to learn as basics/ necessary (like Dreamweaver?) for both web design and graphics. Also what would be recommended programs (though not necessary)?

I am not a techie——don’t know html, etc so I would be starting at the beginning.

Thanks so much!