It can help with one thing only is learning the rythym of the game and reading flops quickly to see what could be in the hand.  Free games give players really bad habits.  I think they are a good way to find a table and try bluffing people off hands...if you can get thm to fold for free money you can make them fold for real money...I also like to play them to be a complete idiot...it's fun just to push all in with 23 and see what happens becuase it doesn't cost you a penny.  I recommend staying far away from free games if you have any seriousness about playing poker.  Like I said the only way I play them is if I am completely and utterly insanely bored and ultra simple goofiness can entertain me...it's like watching the JERRY SPRINGER SHOW, IT DOES NOTHING FOR YOU INTELLECTUALLY BUT THERE IS SOMETHING AMBIVILENT ABOUT IT.