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Overview
So, you are ready to create your own home on the World Wide Web, but you aren't quite sure how to do it. Don't worry, there are websites out there that will walk you through the steps to create your own page. These sites don't even charge a membership fee for creating your own website. Many even provide you with an Internet address.
Features
Free web page building sites have what are called wizards, sometimes referred to as templates, that can be used to create your own web page. A wizard or template generally starts by offering numerous examples basic formats. A user can change the size and color of the fonts used, along with adding graphics. Some free web page building sites allow members to upload photographs and use them on the web page, as well as sound effects and a button for visitors to click to email the web page creator.
Types
Many Internet providers allow their customers an opportunity to use a free web page building site designed by the Internet provider. Two cable companies that allow you to use these Internet web site building pages are Comcast and Verizon Fios. As a paying member, the websites the users create are not subject to advertisement banners being posted on their websites. Meanwhile, free website companies such as Homestead.com and Tripod.com post advertisement banners on the creator's web pages (see resources).
Hosting
In the early days of free web page building sites, you would be extremely limited as far as how much storage space you could access on the providers' servers. Today there are websites such as Synthasite, which offers 10MB of storage space and eliminates the advertisements on free web pages, and Blockstar.com, which places advertisements on your website, but will give you 50MB of storage space on its server (see Resources).
Advanced Features
The features on free web page building sites have improved significantly since the 1990s. You are now able to create forms to have on your website to have your guests contact you. These can range from a simple guest book page, to a form where you ask visitors to fill out a survey for you and provide feedback on the website.
Warnings
While the features and storage space on free web page building sites have improved, there is still one significant risk. These free web page building sites have a sketchy history as far as reliability for being available for the long term. Without collecting fees from their members, the web page building programs can not guarantee that your website will be available when you wish to have it ready for your guests. Free website building sites also can load your website with pop-up and fly-in advertisements that frustrate your guests.
