Web sites can be broadly categorized into sites that contain static information and sites that contain dynamic information. A static web site has information fixed at design time whereas a dynamic site usually retrieves information from a database and inserts the data into specific areas on a page each time that page is requested by a browser. These basic types of web site can be further sub divided into interactive and non-interactive. An interactive site allows the user to control the information they view or allows them to enter information, whereas a non-interactive site typically presents information in a pre-defined structure. There are specific types of site which use a combination of the features from some or all of the basic types (e.g. online retailing). A brief discussion of these types follows and this will hopefully give you a better idea of what type of site would be most suitable for your requirements.

Informational
This is the simplest of web sites and is the most common for small businesses wishing to present information relating to their products and services. An informational site has the content, text and layout predetermined when the site is designed. The information remains static and typically does not change much over time. Usually, basic contact details will be incorporated into the site along with a feedback form which allows comments to be submitted by a visitor.

Contact
This is very similar to the basic informational site but with more comprehensive contact features. Specific information can be collected from the site visitor, along with checking and validation of the information they enter. This ensures that the visitor submits the information you want.

Owner Interactive
This type of site is again very similar to the informational site. The difference being that the information presented to the site browser can be changed by the owners of the site at any time. As the site is designed, blank informational areas are created. When the page is requested by a browser, relevant information is retrieved from the database and the blank areas are populated. Once the page has completed the pre-processing it will be sent to the browser.
The site owners can log into the site and alter the information. This gives much more control and flexibility over the site and removes the reliance on a web site designer to make amendments to regularly changing elements of the site. This could be used for example, for a current price list of a business's products or services. With this type of site, the business could make changes to the products/services, prices and any special offers as and when required.
Note that this type of site does not have to be e-commerce enabled but could be if required.

User Interactive
This type of site has elements from the other types of sites and covers all aspects of database driven sites. The site visitor can search the site and control what information is viewed. This can also include sites where users of the site can login, enter and alter information about themselves.

Presentational
Usually built using vector based animation tools such as Macromedia Flash and Shockwave. Typically these sites are highly animated and low bandwidth. The downside to these sites is that they require a browser 'plug-in'. A plug-in is a piece of software that integrates with another piece of software and provides some additional functionality. Both Flash and Shockwave plug-ins are freely available for download from Macromedia.