Google, is aiming to become the go-to place for creating Web sites. It is taking its first step toward that goal, with the debut of a free service designed for high-tech neophytes looking for a simple way to share information with other people working in the same company or attending the same class in school.
With a few clicks, just about anyone will be able to quickly set up and update a Web site. All sites created on the service will run on one of Google"s computers. Google acquired many of the Web-site tools when it bought a Silicon Valley startup, JotSpot, last year. The tools are the latest addition to a bundle of applications that Google offers to consumers and businesses as alternatives to similar products sold by Microsoft Corp., one of Google"s fiercest rivals.