At first glance, there is no simple choice especially for the "new to the web". You may be tempted to save a few bucks when signing up with a web host provider.

All hosting providers are in business to make money, and the way they do makes a big difference in the type and quality of service you can expect.

Free Hosting Services make their money not from renting you web space.  After all they are giving it to you for free!  They make their money (or hope to) by selling advertising space on your site.  This means that every time your readers visit your site, they get bombarded with advertising.  This is fine for simple personal, hobby, club, or "just for fun" sites, but not for businesses or serious web ventures. 

In addition, free sites my be slow due to the fact that servers get overbooked and bandwidth is stretched beyond the limit.  Most businesses and serious web users will require additional storage, the ability to have you own domain and professional e-mail.  Something free services simply cannot provide.  Without a professional appearance, a business loses credibility instantly and has a strike against it before it even starts.

Budget Hosting Services look like they might be a good choice, at least on the surface.  In order for budget hosting companies to make money they have to spend less than other hosts.  This often means cutting corners on equipment such as servers, routers, bandwidth and network infastructure.  These companies are not likely to upgrade their hardware or add to their services without a significant charge. It also means cutting back on staff, leaving you with a level of support and assistance far below what most business require.

The simple fact is, web hosting companies of this category will actually COST you more money in downtime and time consuming nonsupport than you could ever save with their low rates.

Corporate Class Web Hosts, provide hosting that is on par with what most Fortune 1000 companies have come to expect.  You'll pay a bit more to get setup and a bit more monthly, but the fact is, in business, just like in life, you get what you pay for.

Corporate Class Web Hosts make their money by providing current web technology to their customers. They provide their customers with state-of-the-art servers and high-speed Internet connections.  Most importantly they don't overbook their server space and monitor their bandwidth to ensure that your viewers will always have access to your site.   They provide value added services and give their customers the software options like e-commerce, an in house script library to provide real functionality to your site. In additional Corporate Class Hosts have a competent staff ready to help you with your needs.