The Web provider reserves the right to post banner advertisements on your Web pages, either for them or for their advertisers. I've seen some that plaster Web pages with ads and manage to do nothing but annoy the visitors of the site. Many, though, simply display professional banner ads. If you decide to go the free route, do your homework and check out other sites that the company hosts to ensure that the ads they place on your pages are not obstructive and do not contain questionable material. Paying for your Web hosting is another option.
Many companies offer Web hosting only and some offer it in addition to other online services.
Typically speaking, this service is not very expensive at all. You'll be amazed at how many there are. Chris Stout is a certified network engineer and columnist based in Morgantown, W.Va.