So recently I was laid-off due to a slow industry right now and I am trying to teach myself web design. I want to build a website with a opt-in newsletter and can't really afford the $19 a month(Aweber). I am also not sure whether I need software or if there is a script I can post to my website, I am pretty clueless how it all works. If there is any advice I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks
Justin

PHPList

Usually available as an install on Fantastico.

I researched a little and it looks like you have to pay for fantastico? or have a webhost that has it i guess. My webhost(Ipage)doesn't have fantastico and it looks like it might be $90 for fantastico. Sorry im still confused about all this. Is there any free way I can gain a list for a newsletter? Thanks

Then just download and install PHPList, assuming your hosting supports PHP and MySQL of course.