However, most small and medium businesses cannot afford the expense associated with setting up and maintaining their own Internet server. Instead, they access the Internet using a telephone line and a modem. The company that provides you with your Internet access is your ISP, or Internet service provider. Usually, small to medium businesses contract an IHP, or Internet Host Provider. IHPs usually provide a certain amount of storage space for a monthly fee.
Additional space is usually available for an increased price.
Free hosting is available, usually in exchange for carrying advertising on your site. The terms ISP and IHP are often used interchangeably. That is, many Internet hosting providers refer to themselves as Internet service providers. Similarly, companies often refer to the company that hosts their web sites as ISPs. Plain text is formatted by adding a series of bracketed codes, which are then interpreted by the web browser.