Where do I start?

I'm new to DW and website / database creation. I was told to create a
site for our company that uses a database for searching our products. On a
page the user is supposed to "check" criteria for what they need. The
criteria will then be sent to a server database (?) that will return results
back. If necessary, they can then refine their search with further selected
criteria and have those results returened.

If anyone understands what I am refering to, can you tell me where to even
begin? My boss won't let me hire anyone that knows what they are doing and
insists I need to figure it out!

What server query database engine do I need?

What type of pages do I need to create in DW - htm, asp, php,...?

Any "starters notes" or tutorials out there?

thanks,

Adam