Hi muggers

I have a query regarding CMS (content management system) for a web site. I have only just heard about this from a web designer who says it is very necessary for my quite simple web site, as Im wanting to make my site more interesting and be able to update with more information over time.

My question is how will I know if I need to have this, as it is expensive and by the sounds of it ties me down to their hosting of my site so I can use the CMS to update the site. The hosting is quite expensive, relative to what I pay now. They are charging $360/year just to host the site.

Could someone please give me some advice or online sites that I can check out to help me make a decision. I am a complete novice but eager to learn what I can.

I have dabbled in Golive 6, but at the moment have no spare time and realise there is a lot more to making a good site than at a first glance.

Many thanks to everyone

Chris