Web 2.0 is a next generation trend in web design which refers to the way websites interact with their users. This trend is being led by social networking sites, blogs and membership websites. In a web 2.0 environment, the users determine the content of a website in short; the websites are user-driven.

As a by-product of this trend, web 2.0 web templates are quickly gaining currency as more and more graphic designers and programmers join the fray.

Building a web 2.0 website can be a daunting task especially if one lacks any programming or design skills not to mention the potential cost of hiring the services of a professional. A way to go around this huddle is to download a free web 2.0 template.

There are many websites and sources where one can buy web 2.0 themes and templates for a fee, but there are also others where the templates are available for free.

One obvious advantage of getting a free web 2.0 theme template is the expense. Many website operators, businesses and marketers are strapped for initial capital and since the dot com bust in the 90’s, many businesses and individuals are unwilling to invest a lot of money in web projects unless there is a high certainty of a return. Using free web 2.0 templates is therefore an obvious advantage in as far as cost is concerned.

Another advantage of using free web 2.0 templates is time. Many online business owners are not technically savvy not to mention the lack of programming skills. A lot of online business owners have wasted an enormous amount of time trying to be website designers and techies. Loss of time translates into loss of business and now most website owners prefer to get free web 2.0 templates instead. Tied to this is the obvious relief of not having to involve oneself with back-office maintenance issues and troubleshooting. The provider of free web 2.0 templates offers all the support and troubleshooting.

Getting free web 2.0 templates used to be expensive as we saw earlier but in the last year, websites offering free web 2.0 templates have emerged and more are sure to come. These templates can be downloaded immediately one signs up therefore many websites offering these templates will also require a valid email address.

The following are websites where anyone can download free web 2.0 templates:

• www.templateworld.com
• www.sr-ultimate.com (this website actually offers many other links to free web 2.0 templates)
• www.designload.net (Design Load also offers paid templates but these are usually of a higher quality)
• www.smashingmagazine.com (this is another resource site that contains a lot of information on free web 2.0 template)
• www.freecsstemplates.org

• www.oswd.org

We are going to look at one such free web 2.0 template website, www.freecsstemplates.org.

This site offers lots of colorful web 2.0 and xhtml/CSS templates which are compliant with w2c standards. Freecsstemplates.org displays thumbnail versions of the actual templates which gives the viewer a cursory glance at the templates being offered.

One great advantage offered by this site is the ease of downloads. One does not even need to sign up as a member as is the case with other free web 2.0 template websites. The files are downloaded in zip format and one can easily unzip them using either the winzip utility or winrar software.

Winzip costs a small fee but with a careful search of the Internet one can find a free downloadable version or even download a free trial version from the winzip website. Windows Vista automatically comes with a utility for unzipping files.

Conclusion: Free web 2.0 templates are therefore the best route to go when seeking to build a truly user-driven website.