How to Find a Free Website Host

So, you want to join the millions of people on the web who have built and maintained websites, correct? Well, what's your interest - cooking? A blog? Your family photos? There are all sorts of places on the internet that will allow you to have your own, personal, space. Do you want to create a page for your business? That's easy enough to do, too! First, there are some things you should know - things that you should look for, if you're going to build your own website, and need space on the web to do it.

1. What is a webhost, exactly?
A webhost is a company that provides space on the internet for your files. A webhost may charge for their services, or they may allow you to host on their website, for free. I prefer 'free' webhosts, because often projects that seem so good in your mind, turn out to be big flops. You may not want to maintain them - and if you pay for the service, you may be at a loss. If you're serious, however, paying for web space may be a good investment.

2. Reliability
Webhosts are much like contractors appearing after natural disasters. "Fly-by-night". They pop in and out of existence. One day, you have a fully developed, beautiful web design, and the next, your webhost and your website have disappeared into thin air. The best way to check for reliability, in my opinion, is to scroll to the bottom of the page. How long is the copyright for? If the page says, "Copyright 2000 to (current year)", chances are the site will be sticking around for a while. Be wary if the copyright is only for this year, or extends to a previous year - such as 2004. These sites may be up, but inactive.

3. Ad-free hosting
Now, if you don't mind pop-up and banner ads being placed on your website, then you can ignore this. Personally, I prefer websites that do not force me to place their advertisements on my own place on the web. And, when I browse, I enjoy not having five or six pop ups interfering with my viewing of the website. It is not always possible to get free hosting that is also ad-free. But, in the very least, it is an ideal to strive for.