Need Some Help Here

[Generator Man]

Hi, so long story short I am 17 years old trying to make a forum, haven't bought it yet. So I am not the best when it comes to computers I am also not a big spender although I am gonna buy the publishing suite for 285 dollars. I hope is doesn't sound stupid, but when I look at the tutorials and other things on the internet, I found out I need to install it and get like a sever host or something like that. Those are the only problems I have when I buy the offer. I just wanna know if its gonna be hard, do I gotta spend a lot or anything like that. Remember I am not that great with computers and I just wanna know what are thing I should be aware of when I buy the forum. Sorry I hope this question makes sense in all. I am also sorry if you can't help me with that because I didn't buy the forum, I was so nervous and clueless that I was afraid I bought this for nothing.

Thanks :)

[BirdOPrey5]

You need 3 things to have a working forum

1) A domain name

2) A hosting package

3) Actual forum software

Many hosting packages will throw in a free domain name- this will make your life easier although in the long run it is better you have your domain separate from your host. Popular places to register domain names are GoDaddy and Network Solutions.

For a decent vBulletin host you will be looking at $10 to $25 a month although there may be cheaper options you get what you pay for. Please don't use GoDaddy for hosting vBulletin, they are horrible hosts. You can find out about quality hosts on vBulletin.com Hosting Talk. (https://www.vbulletin.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/11-vBulletin-Hosting-Options)

Those are prices for basic shared hosting- ideal for a small/new site. If your site actually takes off and generates hundreds or thousands of visits per day you will need to upgrade hosting but you can cross that bridge when/if you come to it.

Of course I think setting up and installing vBulletin is easy but I'm a computer person. Most people who buy it are able to install it themselves though. Here are the instructions if you want to look them over first:
https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/install

[Generator Man]

Omg thank you so much, I have been waiting for more than an hour now for a response. I thought no one was gonna listen to a 17 year old kid's questions. I just thought if I ask these question it would take a big weight off my shoulders if I get some answers. Anything else you suggest? It would be nice if a noob like me would know. :)


Edit: I found this site with web hosting http://www.urljet.com/vbulletin-hosting.php
I'm guessing I buy this after the Vbulletin...

[BirdOPrey5]

You should get a web host and domain first, yes.

I like URLJet and use them myself, but they are on the more expensive side. Up to you. You will see hosting preferences get very personal so we try to keep them on the forum I linked above.

Please don't get discouraged by "an hour" going by. This site (vbulletin.org) is run by volunteers and we aren't always online all day. I'm sure in a day or two more people will be chiming in with ideas as well.

URJet will install vBulletin for you, I believe- that's kind of like cheating ;) I mean I understand it gets you up and running quickly but I think there is something to be said for figuring it out yourself- since you're going to be using it best to learn it from the ground up.

[Generator Man]

URJet will install vBulletin for you, I believe- that's kind of like cheating ;) I mean I understand it gets you up and running quickly but I think there is something to be said for figuring it out yourself- since you're going to be using it best to learn it from the ground up.

You don't know how much I am smiling right now when you said that. That is amazing, I don't have to install it myself? :D

That is making me more happier by the minute. That means I can run the forum without any computer experience and it will mean a lot to me. Also i understand you guys are very busy, I was getting nervous because I was stressing out for weeks on this forum idea.

[ForceHSS]

It does not matter what age you are if you buy the software you will get the support like everyone else

[Generator Man]

It does not matter what age you are if you buy the software you will get the support like everyone else

Okay I understand, thanks :)

--------------- Added 1343949694 at 1343949694 ---------------

Okay now which one should I buy Forum Pro, Forum gold, or forum platinum?
Also on the domain thing Should I buy 1 year?

[Syxguns]

I thought I would put in my 2 cents as a way to help you out a little. First for your question about the hosting let me say a couple of things.

1) Great hosting site, and if I were you I would start out with the Pro. 10GB of space is nice for a startup forum and you can upgrade your account later without changing your server as long as you stay with the same host. Remember that changing providers means a transfer of information which is sometimes a problem.

2) Keep in mind that setting up the forum takes some time, it's not an overnight project. I think that having your host set up your forum the first time is great, but you will still need to learn a little about upgrading your forum, they will not run all of your updates for you. The first couple of times that you do it, take notes because the basic forum update instructions will cause you to overwrite some information that you do not want overwritten if you have your own ICO files, Logo's etc.

3) Make sure that your host will make nightly backups of your forum in case of a problem that you may have you can have them reset the forum to the previous day.

That is just a few things to remember to help you along the way. You will become very familiar with folders, and forum structure once you dive into it. It will seem very confusing at first, but with the search features here and on vbulletin.com you will find answers for almost everything.

[Generator Man]

Thanks that was helpful, I really appreciate it. I want the best for the forum I am gonna buy. Its just makes me more happy at the fact that I feel more comfortable buying the forum without any issues. Sure its gonna cost me a few more bucks than I expect it, but I am sure its gonna be worth it. I do need to learn a lot about forums its true, but how often do they give upgrades and stuff?

Yeah I think after I buy the forum you guys will see me more often here.

[BirdOPrey5]

Minor upgrades come about every month or two on average... that would be like from 4.2.0 to 4.2.1. It's not essential you upgrade but it is recommended, some users simply skip versions to reduce the work load- you will have to decide when you start using it.

[Generator Man]

So by the looks of it, I am gonna pay 285 dollars for the forum, 24 dollars a month for the hosting, and 13.95 a year for the domain name. Also 45 dollars for the installation. So that's about 369 dollars in the first pay.

So I buy the hosting and domain first. So do I buy the Vbulletin first or the installation?

[ForceHSS]

So by the looks of it, I am gonna pay 285 dollars for the forum, 24 dollars a month for the hosting, and 13.95 a year for the domain name. Also 45 dollars for the installation. So that's about 369 dollars in the first pay.

So I buy the hosting and domain first. So do I buy the Vbulletin first or the installation?

Professional Upgrade/Install - $150.00
The professional install is ONLY available for vBulletin Classic and/or the Publishing Suite. We do not currently provide professional installs for ancillary products like the Mobile Suite or the Facebook App. This rule applies even if you have purchased one or more of these products in addition to vBulletin Classic and/or the Publishing Suite.

--------------- Added 1343964778 at 1343964778 ---------------

Can't pm u if there is any other way please post

[Syxguns]

You can find cheaper yearly domain names than that. Not to mention if you purchase for multiple years the price goes down per year. I registered with whois.com Yearly rate is $9.88. GoDaddy is $12.95 a year. Do a little shopping to find the best price for you. I'm happy with whois.com for the price on my domain name.

After you get your domain name it's just a matter of registering it with your host. They can take care of it, or give you instructions on how to do it. Where you are going to host they are familiar with vB, so you shouldn't have a problem getting it going. The whole process shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to have your board ready to go. After you have the board installed you need to start taking security measures on it.

You can find all kinds of threads on how to secure your forum with a simple search. It's a good idea to have a document with all changes that you made. For example I've changed the name of my admin folder. If I'm going to upload a modification or update the site, I have to change the name of the admin folder they have to the name that I use. That is just one of several security things that you do.

[Generator Man]

You can find cheaper yearly domain names than that. Not to mention if you purchase for multiple years the price goes down per year. I registered with whois.com Yearly rate is $9.88. GoDaddy is $12.95 a year. Do a little shopping to find the best price for you. I'm happy with whois.com for the price on my domain name.

After you get your domain name it's just a matter of registering it with your host. They can take care of it, or give you instructions on how to do it. Where you are going to host they are familiar with vB, so you shouldn't have a problem getting it going. The whole process shouldn't take more than a couple of hours to have your board ready to go. After you have the board installed you need to start taking security measures on it.

You can find all kinds of threads on how to secure your forum with a simple search. It's a good idea to have a document with all changes that you made. For example I've changed the name of my admin folder. If I'm going to upload a modification or update the site, I have to change the name of the admin folder they have to the name that I use. That is just one of several security things that you do.
Yeah I was thinking of getting multiple years like 5-10 years, but I didn't wanna risk not using the forum at all. I don't mind the price at all to be quite honest, but I'll give it a shot. I'll also see what I can do to secure the forum. thanks for the advice.

[Syxguns]

Yeah I was thinking of getting multiple years like 5-10 years, but I didn't wanna risk not using the forum at all. I don't mind the price at all to be quite honest, but I'll give it a shot. I'll also see what I can do to secure the forum. thanks for the advice.

I started with 1 year, but that first year goes by quick!!

Here is a link about securing your forum: Securing vB Link (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=193930)

[Generator Man]

I started with 1 year, but that first year goes by quick!!

Here is a link about securing your forum: Securing vB Link (https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=193930)

Wow that was a huge guide, I think I would have know a lot more if I got the forum. Yeah I think I'll go with one year offer, since I gotta pay 475 dollars for the forum, host, installation, and domain.

[Syxguns]

The list seems a lot larger than it really is. I would show you a picture to help you understand it a little better, but once you purchase the forum and have FTP access to your site, you will see how easy it is. The trick then is to remember before you ever upload anything to change the names of the folders you are uploading to the names you have changed on your site. It's pretty simple once you do it a couple of times.

[Generator Man]

Yeah I am reading the thread and I was like wtf? I just need to figure out how the hell I am gonna get 475 dollars. I got about 200 dollars right now. I mean its a good thing I found out all about this stuff before I just buy the forum and that's it not knowing about domain and hosting. That's why I had a bad feeling this whole week.

[BirdOPrey5]

DO you really think you need Blogs and CMS from the start? If you're just learning forums that could keep you busy for a long time before you need to worry about CMS/Blogs... In that case you can save some money upfront and get the forum only package. Later if you upgrade to the suite it is only like $10 more then not buying it from the start. ($100 to upgrade later.)

[ForceHSS]

Wow that was a huge guide, I think I would have know a lot more if I got the forum. Yeah I think I'll go with one year offer, since I gotta pay 475 dollars for the forum, host, installation, and domain.

If you pm me I could bring that price down for you

[BirdOPrey5]

Unlicensed users can't PM and people should not be making offers for paid services in this forum.

If/when he becomes licensed he can use the Requests for Paid Services forum to get bids from multiple people.

[borbole]

You should get a web host and domain first, yes.

I like URLJet and use them myself, but they are on the more expensive side. Up to you. You will see hosting preferences get very personal so we try to keep them on the forum I linked above.

Please don't get discouraged by "an hour" going by. This site (vbulletin.org) is run by volunteers and we aren't always online all day. I'm sure in a day or two more people will be chiming in with ideas as well.

URJet will install vBulletin for you, I believe- that's kind of like cheating ;) I mean I understand it gets you up and running quickly but I think there is something to be said for figuring it out yourself- since you're going to be using it best to learn it from the ground up.

Yeah I am reading the thread and I was like wtf? I just need to figure out how the hell I am gonna get 475 dollars. I got about 200 dollars right now. I mean its a good thing I found out all about this stuff before I just buy the forum and that's it not knowing about domain and hosting. That's why I had a bad feeling this whole week.

As mentioned above, it would be better to start off with the forum only first and see how thing will go. Then later when your forum grows you can add the suite and the blog. About paying to have your forum installed, you could save yourself that money by simply taking a look at the installation guide and doing the install yourself. It is pretty easy.

https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/install/

[Generator Man]

DO you really think you need Blogs and CMS from the start? If you're just learning forums that could keep you busy for a long time before you need to worry about CMS/Blogs... In that case you can save some money upfront and get the forum only package. Later if you upgrade to the suite it is only like $10 more then not buying it from the start. ($100 to upgrade later.)

So only for 195 dollars for just the forum, hosting and domain for like 39 dollars. So I just saved like over 200 dollars. Wow that was just a relief.

--------------- Added 1344041748 at 1344041748 ---------------

Now my only issue is learning how to install it, I read the whole manual, and to tell the truth I felt so clueless. Sorry guys for sounding like and idiot, I think I will be learning more on computers when I grow up when I saw this manual. I didn't know what most of things meant here. I was reading everything and I couldn't even comprehend anything in this manual. :(

[Simon Lloyd]

Installing is pretty simple, just set up a databse in your website control panel, unzip the package you got when you buy the software, go to includes/config.php and edit the database name, user name and password for the database, upload via ftp in ascii mode to your /public_html folder, then visit www.yoursitehere.com/install/install.php (if you uploaded to a filder then put your folder name between .com/ and /install) and just follow the instructions :)

[ForceHSS]

Unlicensed users can't PM and people should not be making offers for paid services in this forum.

If/when he becomes licensed he can use the Requests for Paid Services forum to get bids from multiple people.

That's not what I meant

[Generator Man]

Okay I have the exact amount for just about everything. 195 for the forum, 25 for hosting, and 14 for domain. I got 234 dollars right now and I will buy it as soon as possible. I just got another question, does any of this cost tax? I have the exact amount for everything and I don't wanna pay more because of tax.

[Simon Lloyd]

Okay I have the exact amount for just about everything. 195 for the forum, 25 for hosting, and 14 for domain. I got 234 dollars right now and I will buy it as soon as possible. I just got another question, does any of this cost tax? I have the exact amount for everything and I don't wanna pay more because of tax.These are questions you can ask at vbulletin.com pre-sales, your perspective host and perspective registrar for the domain :)

[Generator Man]

Okay no problem, I am just gonna save a few more extra dollars just in case if I gotta deal with tax and stuff. Thanks anyways, I really do appreciate the help these past few days.

[metalguy639]

Sorry to be late to the party but there are other things that you will need to consider eventually and think about. If you are not able to install it yourself you may eventually want to install some of the hacks on here once you buy the license, and you may want to have a custom skin down the road. All these things cost money. There are plenty of people who do these things for board owners for a fee. Its great to get it all started for the amount you have but keep in mind that will not be the only money you pay out for the forum if you do not plan on learning stuff yourself or you can't. vBulletin comes out of the box with just a default skin, default settings, and a default set up. There are most likely some things that you have seen on another forum and thought that is really a cool feature I like it. Do not expect it to come right out of the box. In most cases its an add-on or a hack that was installed to enhance the board. If you are not particularly thrilled with the default skin there are free skins and there are skins that you can purchase from other sites. There are also custom skins and those can cost big bucks. So just keep in mind that this is an investment of sorts and something that you will be pouring money into. You will not just pay the initial amount and then everything is dandy and the sun comes out. :)