We want to offer free shipping on all orders for a limited time -- an introductory offer for our new store. I have several questions about this:

(1) What is the best way to set it up? Just turn on the FREE SHIPPING! module and turn all other shipping modules off? (Ordinarily we will be offering UPS, FedEx, and USPS shipping options, with free shipping on orders over a certain amount.) Set it up as a coupon? Set it up as a Special?

(More generally, can specials be used for this purpose, or are they only available for discounted prices on the products themselves?)

(2) We'd like to feature this as a special offer on the home page -- preferably as a graphic in a sidebox. Can we add a custom sidebox to the home page only for this purpose?

These questions have probably been asked before, but I can't find them. Thanks in advance.

xlawdog