What? You don't have a Web site yet? What are you waiting for?

It's easier than ever to stake out your own little corner of cyberspace, be it a personal home page for pictures of your kids or a professional site to promote your small business. Many Web hosts offer predesigned templates, site-building wizards, and ready-to-use code, so you don't need much technical knowledge to get started. Even better, a good number of these hosts are free.

If you're just getting started, free Web hosts are a fast and easy way to go. They have a few shortcomings--some offer awkward URLs, and all of them place ads on your Web site--but if you just want to try out the Web, they're a great jumping-off point. We reviewed the four most popular free Web hosts (according to data from Top9.com) and compared them based on interface, server space, site-building tools, customer service, and interactive add-ons. Which of the four do we recommend? Find out where to create and host your own dot-com.

CNET recommends
It was a tough race, but one of these sites pulled ahead with its grace, ease of use, and snappy URLs.

Compare Web hosts
Get the facts at a glance. We lay out the basics of each site, plus extras and other handy info.

Tell me all about CNET's favorite bargain ISPs 

	Next steps

• Find a DSL, cable, or ISDN connection in your area
• Find the best prices for HTML editors
• Find a new and better modem
• Try CNET's Quick SiteBuilder