woderick.....
Re. software, not long I wouldn't think, they seem quite efficient on the admin. ...As mentioned, I'm only running a mail account and domain registration for the moment, rather than full Hosting Package, so haven't had to wait for software. ...I recall the domain name took a couple of days to get up running and promulgated, after which you can initiate some e-mail addreses on it via the 1&1 Control Panel. ...I think there was a further brief wait after that until the whole account was active.
I'm likewise with you on
"blundering through" with a web page, but prior to going down the full 1&1 Hosting package on this have been experimenting with the basic 10Mb 'freebee' webspace that comes courtesy of my ISP. ...Which I only mention because I have been quite impressed with
THIS on 30 day trial. ...All "drag and drop" with no need to get too involved if you don't want to. ...Just one of many alternatives.
Good luck.