For a listing of web sites offering free items go to http://www.kalama.com/~zimba/freeforteachers.htm

Cautions, Advice, Drawbacks

   Many of the sites offering free stuff are doing it to gather information about you
   Expect an increase in telephone solicitation
   Expect an increase in junk mail
   Check to see if the site uses a secure server.  Look for the locked padlock in the lower left hand corner of
            Netscape and IE.  (0lder versions of Netscape use a solid key.)
   If you're getting something "free" you don't need to give a credit card number.  Be skeptical of any site that
            asks for it.
   If you win something, you have to pay taxes on your winnings.
   "Free" magazines always put the burden of canceling the order on you.  If you are organized this might be a
            good deal.  If you're like me, you end up paying for the issues after the first free ones.  Check the
            details!
   If you are downloading, make sure you have virus software installed and running.

Types of Freebies
        Web master stuff
             Clip Art and Tools
                    Copying clip art is easy.  Just hold down the right mouse button on a PC or just hold the mouse button down
                        on  a Mac and a menu will appear.
                    Know the rules.  Do you have to provide a link back to the page you got the graphic?  Is the graphic really
                        copyright free?  Use your head.  If a site says its graphics are free, but you see a picture of Tweety Bird,
                        think!
                    Change the file name to something you understand
                    Save images as .JPG or .GIF

            Web sites Hosts
                    What's the catch?
                             advertising
                             banner ads, pop up widows
                             supporting a cause
                             convincing push to buy more space, more services
                             you give personal information to sign up, they use it.  Even if you request that they not share or sell you
                                    information, they can still use it to target your ads and junk email at your interests.  Read the
                                    agreement carefully!
                      What to consider
                            What kinds of web authoring tools are provided?
                             Is there a "wizard" that guides you through the process?
                             How much web space do you get?
                             Is there a limit to traffic on your site?
                             Is an FTP (file transfer protocol) service provided
                             Is it easy to see how much space you've got left
                             How is your site registered
                             If you are changing web hosts, can you import a site you've made somewhere else?
                             What types of sites are already hosted?
                             What are the rules about what is acceptable?

Electronic Greetings
    Greeting cards have exploded onto the Internet. The best news is, they're free.  (Well, most of them are.)  No more
    standing in front of rows of cards while some child whines in the background.  No more discovering you forgot to buy
    stamps.  Now you can send your cards through email.  Not only are they free and easy to use, but you can add sound,
    movement and personalized messages.  You can even be notified when the recipient picks up the card!

     Things to consider
            Is the service really free?
            Does the site have cards you like?
            Can you add sound?
            Can you import your own graphics, sound or whatever?
            Can you be notified when the card is picked up?
            How long does the card remain on file to be picked up?
            Are other languages available?
            How easy is the site to access?
            How fast does it load?
            Can you send the same card to multiple addresses?

Computers
     The latest thing to hit the Internet world, it getting a "free" computer for surfing.  There are things to consider
            How long is your contract?
            Is your contract advertised based
            Are you required to follow any advertising links
            Is your contract Internet Service Provider based?
            Is your contract buying based?
            Is there tech help?  Is it fast?
            The computers offered are not always the top fast computers.
            If you're seriously considering this route check all the players.  More are entering the market.

email
     There are tons of free email sites.  So many, you should consider what you expect from your email service.
            Is there an address book feature
            How much of the site is covered in advertisements
            How much storage is provided for your email?  If you are using this address to receive your list serve mailings
                will it be enough?  Most free email providers give you around 2MB of space.
            How often do you have to access your account to keep it active?
            Is there an out-of-office feature?  This will automatically let people who email you know you are not reading
                your email for awhile.
            Can you send and receive attachments?
            Can you filter junk mail or spam
            Is there a tech or questions email address?  How long do responses take?
            What composer tools are provided?  Can you spell check?  Change font and color?

Earn free gift certificates or frequent flyer miles
     These sites send you email messages and if you respond to them you can earn points.  The points can be exchanged
        for "stuff."  Bonusmail requires no purchases, but naturally you get more points for more stuff if you buy.  I haven't
        bought anything and still managed to get a $25.00 gift certificate for the Hyatt for this conference.  Cybergold is a
        cash rebate type program.  You buy from Cybergold sites and get cash back.  I belong to this, but haven't bought
        anything at this point.
                Bonusmail  http://www.mypoints.com
                Cybergold    http://www.cybergold.com/

Chat and Messaging Services
     Term to know:
            IRC  Internet Relay Chat Allows people all over the world to communicate on a real time basis.  For information,
                tutorials, and help try http://www.connected-media.com/IRC/
            Web Based Chat:
                No special software is needed.
                Can support private messaging