Is free web hosting a good idea, & if so, what is the best service?

[Pro Graphics]

Many 'Free' web hosting companies require that you have a certain number of visitors per month or log into your account every 3-weeks or they will take down the site. (Read: Do your homework.) Or, you have to let them place advertising on your website. (Flashing banner ads 'free' hosting companies use will turn your visitors away.)

An alternative is $1/month web hosting. http://www.1dollar-webhosting.com/1dollarwebhosting.htm

For only a dollar a month you can have premium web hosting without all the restrictions and advertising 'free' hosting companies require. You'll need to purchase a domain name, too.

The best 'free' hosting company is wix.com
http://www.wix.com
They offer free html5 templates, a free site builder, a free sub-domain name, almost no advertising (no flashing advertising banners) and you don't have to log-in each month.