Free Web Hosting - Which to use ?

[JohnnyReggae]

I have been running a Uni website since the end of last year which is being hosted on Wikidot.

http://www.amaonetya.co.za

As a wiki site it works really well and has a forum which makes it easy enough to use. The layout of items is a little harder to control without going into CSS and doing a lot of CSS coding, something which I don't really want to do.

Lately I've been looking at different sites and there are a few layouts that I like but am unsure whether they would be good to change over to, examples are:

Terry's site : http://www.unigeezer.com based on WordPress (blogging I presume)

Uni site in Lithuania : http://www.unike.org/ (not sure what software is being used)

I would like to use something that has the following:

1. Free hosting, opensource
2. Easy to add content
3. Forums

Does anyone use any particular software or have advice on which would be better to use, or simply examples of sites/software they like ?

There is the option to pay for a hosted service and run for example MediaWiki and phpBB and manage everything from software installation, configuration, and content by myself. Although seeing as there are free hosting options available, I would like to explore those first.

[siafirede]

I would go with wordpress. Very easy to use and there are tons of layouts already available at the click of a button. You can add forum capability by searching for a forum/bulletin plugin.

[johnfoss]

The drawback of free sites is also that you're at the whim of the owners. They may decide to start charging, or they may decide to go out of business. So try to go with a company that looks strong and long-lasting. And remember to keep all your content backed up!

[JohnnyReggae]

The drawback of free sites is also that you're at the whim of the owners. They may decide to start charging, or they may decide to go out of business. So try to go with a company that looks strong and long-lasting.

Partly what I am concerned about. I would prefer the flexibility of controlling the software myself, however there are some costs with getting a hosted server which will allow me to manage everything. Currently I'm happy that I have some content which is presented in a readable fashion, but it could be done a lot better. At least when I speak to people locally there is something for them to look at and read, which I tend do a lot on all the rides I go on.

And remember to keep all your content backed up!

Already ahead of you on that one :)