Website Hosting Questions

What do I need to host my own website? Recommended Operating System? RAM? Cable, DSL, and ISDN are not available in my area. Static IP address? Where can I find free or very low cost submissions to website search engines? I do not need a secured site as such. It will be semi-business oriented but I will not be taking on-line credit card payments. I want them to contact me directly via email and send me a money order or check for books and tapes that I will sell.