What is the proper way to discipline a 17 mth old.?

My sons at that stage where he kicks, smacks, and bites..sometimes its when he's throwing a fit other times it is when he is hyper and thinks it is funny. = use a stern "no" that's not nice and he just laughs. Also...he is throwing major temper tantrums which I know is normal at this stage but what is the best way to deal w it..like when he does something I try many things like a stern no...removing him from the situation..trying to distract him..ignore the tantrum. It just seems to be getting worse and seems like he spends most of the time of the day screaming and throwing fits. Any suggestions?