How to Compare Free Web Hosting Plans

It is possible to run a professional looking website using a free web hosting company. However, before you begin to code and upload your site to the first free web host you find, take a little time to find out if the service is best for you and your site. Here are a few things to think about when looking for and comparing free web hosting plans.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at the available disc space. With a little research you should be able to find a free web host that offers enough web space for your site. Some offer 100 MB while others 5,000 MB. Depending on your site’s layout and space requirements, 100 – 5,000 MB may be adequate. If not, you may have to re-evaluate your budget and look at web hosts who charge.

2. Find out what types of advertisements are displayed. Some free web hosting sites pay for their services by placing advertisements on each of the free sites they offer. There are, however a whole host of free hosting sites that do not force you to display their ads. As a matter of fact, they allow you to monetize your site with your own ads. For a listing of such web hosts visit www.free-webhosts.com.

3. Determine which operating system they use. Most, free web hosting plans are Unix based. While you may be able to find free hosting using the Windows operating system, many times the free Windows service is an introductory offer and the web host will charge you down the line. Free web hosts that use the Unix operating system can offer their services at no charge because the Unix operating system is free. Windows, on the other hand, is not free and the web hosting company has to pay for the Windows software to run their servers. They pass part of that charge onto their customers.

4. Review the number of allowable email accounts. Some free sites offer domain related email addresses while others don’t. With so many free email services available, this may or may not be a problem. If you’re looking to have an email address that better reflects your domain, then look for a free web host that offers domain related email accounts.

5. Read the fine print. Many free web hosting plans do not allow illegal or pornographic activity. Make sure to read the terms and conditions so that you do not inadvertently violate the terms of service. Nothing is worse than putting your time and effort into a website only to find out that it was removed from the server for violating one of the terms of service.

Resources

• www.free-webhosts.com
• How to Select the Right Web Hosting Company for Your Website or Blog

[Life-is-sweet]

on 11/7/2008 Thank you, excellent tips!

[Buckeye207]

on 10/25/2008 very helpful thank you! 5*

[WriterGig]

on 10/17/2008 Great tips, I like it. I've never really used free web hosting but I will look into it now.