Server Side Includes - Alternative Method To This?

Hi, is there an alternative method that's similar to Server Side Includes? I remember there was one but forgot what it's called. I need someone to help explain what SSI is because I think I'm using it but don't know if it's as simple as what I think it is. I use it mainly for repeating text on my site (like the copyright stuff on each page). Is there another purpose for it? Just asking because I'm going to switch web hosts soon and it looks like the plan I want does NOT include SSI support. The package plan includes PHP support but I have no idea why they don't have SSI also since I think they both rely on an Apache server to work (correct?).If anyone knows an alternative way to do this that would be great. I forgot why, but I was playing around with SSI a while ago and changed all my web pages to have a PHP extension now. Hopefully the possible alternative method won't be affected by this.Thanks in advance.

I also saw this on a Xisto's forum post, and I'm still looking back to it.
Also look here, Vujsa suggests a very nice way on a server having php like yours :
http://forums.xisto.com/topic/91231-topic/?findpost=
Yordan

Edited November 9, 2006 by yordan (see edit history)

Thanks Yordan. That was exactly what I was looking for earlier. I just need to get it to play nicely with my other script that I have on the main page.

Thanks Yordan. That was exactly what I was looking for earlier. I just need to get it to play nicely with my other script that I have on the main page.

Vujsa told that he could help us if after reading his post we were still unable to do it, so tell us if you are successful.
Yordan