And while you're following up (that is, "reading and understanding") on marto's on-target response, I would suggest you also get yourself an elementary understanding of html 4.01 and CSS.

Even using CGI you're going to need a fundamental understanding of html; without it, you can master CGI and still have no clue. Possible sources include: www.w3schools.com/html/, http://www.goer.org/HTML/introduction/diving_in/ and many others.