[Andy Benson]

I would be grateful for any advice on the best/ cost effective way of creating my own website. I currently have a blog but would like to be a bit more flexible. The web site would require a home page, approx 3 picture galleries, a diary/blog facility and a trip report page (plus usual stuff like counter, links ect) I do have a Yahoo account so I believe I can use some web space there. I am rapidly approaching the age where you apparently hit technical buffers (42!) so research would suggest that my brain wouldn't be capable of creating it by then!!! All advice would in layman terms would be appreciated
Cheers
Andy

[jeff]

Have a search through the archives, this question has been asked a few times, here's one such thread:

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=73049

[djaburg]

I would really look at getting a domain name for yourself (which doesn't cost much) and getting a full featured webhost (which also may not cost too much). I've had lot's of client use 1and1 webhosting and they've really like it. They have many options for you and you can get started for less than $5 (US) per month for the hosting. They have easy to use tools for creating your own BLOG, Forum, photo gallery, and the like. Most of my client aren't the most technically savvy since they're usually business people, but I've seen some great results for those who want to put forth just a little effort to learn some basic skills.

[Steve Babbs]

I know many people advice paying for one but freewebs should provide all you need if you just want a no-thrills site with the things you mentioned.

I'm presently creating one
http://www.freewebs.com/stevebabbs/index.htm
and although it can be slow I don't yet feel the need to pay for one.

Steve

[djaburg]

I think it depends on what you're creating your website for. If it's just to show off some pictures to your friends and you don't anticipate getting any kind of volume then perhaps a free host would be good. If you want the flexibility to do more advanced kinds of things like hosting files via FTP, creating your own e-mail addresses, creating mailing lists, and any number of things like that, then paying $5 a month might not be a bad option since most hosts will also get your domain registered and setup for that fee.

It's all a matter of what you want to do. Heck, get an old computer (say P3 500 with 256MB of RAM and 20GB HD) and download Linux and create your own web server and you can do pretty much whatever your ISP will allow you to host. Linux costs nothing if paying $5 a month is a bit much. Just food for thought.