Is web design definately what you want to do? Many new people think web design covers all internet services. If its more the coding side you want to get into, look for information about web development.
You will need to research each specific function and implement them accordingly. If you learn it rather than cop+pasting a script, it will make your life easier in the long run.
Thought I would share this blog post with you. It is quite useful if you are trying to make a modern website with a "web 2.0" feel.
ps. its not my blog, I just stumbled across it in google.