Free shared web hosting happens when a server allows you to make use of their server for no charge.  You get some space, you get a sub-domain and you can upload your website with no cost.  This is a good deal for personal users who do not expect much traffic.  It is also perfect for those who want to upload a website for experimental or trial purposes to get a feel of the website would look like and what possible modifications could still be done to it.
 
A shared web hosting service happens when a server allows you to make use of their server for some charge for a few more perks thrown in.  You get multiple emails and all the minimum necessities of operating an online business like administrative server support.  This type of shared web hosting is ideal for start-up businesses that still have not enough traffic to warrant a dedicated server.
 
Why choose shared web hosting?
 
Free shared web hosting does not cost anything and shared web hosting costs only a fraction of any other web hosting options in the market.  Obviously then, shared web hosting recommends itself mainly through its affordable price.
 
Shared web hosting gives you the necessary start in an online business and you get a site with an administrative server already in place.  If you were a start-up company that cannot afford a dedicated server and/or has not the necessary technical expertise to run one, shared web hosting gives you a web host that already has facilities and administrative infrastructures in place.

Why not choose shared web hosting?
 
A shared web server has a uniform environment so that all its multiple users can use the server.  Thus, shared web hosting can only provide the standard options.  With shared web hosting, you take everything as is.  You cannot run and use your own special software or specifications.  There is therefore no room for designing your own applications which could have set your web site apart from the competition.
 
Because the web host is shared by multiple users, one user could negatively affect another.  If all the shared web host’s client web sites are processing and using the same program at one and the same time, resources become stretched.  The server can only process so many requests at one time, so users suffer the brunt through delays and downtimes when the server becomes overloaded.  This multiple sharing can also result in security issues.
 
Because it is a cheaper web host service, space, bandwidth, and security provided may be limited.  Thus, you have limited room to maneuver and expand.
 
So, now that you know why you should go for shared web hosting and why you should not go for the same, which way did the decision swing?