wysiwyg style editing

hi group, I’m new to wordpress but i have created websites before so know enough to get on ok. i am currently working in a local version on my PC to learn the basics.

is it possible to do “wysiwyg” style editing and use templates as well?
in my first efforts i can change to different templates and from the main screen i can change text, add pictures etc.. but it is really limiting as to how the layout is controlled. I am assuming the template is controlling the layout.

i looked this up a bit and i have found i can install widgets like the “Black Studio TinyMCE Widget” and i have seen a video on you tube on this particular widget in use, but it still seems quit limiting? i.e in the video it shows setting up some text and adding a picture etc.. but only in the side bar or header, can this also be used in the main page body?

can I:
– add several pictures spaced across the main body page with text boxes under each one?
– add borders to the pictures and text i.e layer up several bits / items together
– have floating text and picture boxes
– use roll overs so the pictures have different states

amongst other software like dreamweaver, i have also used Serif webplus in the past which although is a low cost package it is actually quite good but i have heard that word press is the way to go these days so i want to try and do everything in word press if i can.

i look forward to your replies / help on this.

regards Glooper