To upload, generally any ftp-program can be used. There's a free add-on for Firefox, for example.
You can make links with any editor (like Notepad) or with MS Word, or with Open office Writer or with Komposer. Just start any of these 4. And probably the etc. also, although that depends on what it is. For a java or flash applet you need more.
My site oew.leisb.org is mostly made with Notepad and for a small part with Komposer. But I'm a little bit old-fashioned. Most webmasters nowadays use a CMS (Content Management System), but probably that wouldn't be very suited for your rather modest wants.
Microsofts web-editors (like Frontpage) aren't free. Frontpage Express doesn't exists anymore on download.microsoft.com, but you might find it on some old Microsoft cd you happen have. Or - if you search for it - on some third-party download site. But I don't think it's much better than Open office Writer to make html.
Kees