What effect the dataBase size?
 

Dear All
I have a new forum (7 month old), Iam using MySQLDumper to do the Backups, I noticed that DataBase file size is increasing day after day. which is normal.
I want to know which factors effect the size: no. of threads or posts , or the size of the thread (words, pics) or the size of attachments? or what?

All of those will effect the size. Of course, large attachments can really effect the size of the database which is why it's recommended to not store them in the database if you have a lot of attachments or large attachments (in which case you will need to back up the attachment directory).

90% of my attachments are uploaded to upload sites, but I can not force users to do the same, and pics are needed for explanations.

If you move the attachments to the file system it's totally transparent to the members.
ACP > Attachments > Attachment Storage Type
BACK UP YOUR DATABASE FIRST!!!

However if you and your members are just linking to an outside source this will have little to no effect.

My ACP Attachment settings says ;
Attachments are currently being stored in the database

What is the meaning of Moving the attachments to the file system?
is it the Hosting site?

the help file says:

If you are moving attachments into the file system, it is recommended that you do *not* place the folder under your web root (usually named public_html or www or www_root) because people will be able to bypass vBulletin's permission system and download them. Also, you will need to make the folder writeable by PHP. The easiest way to do this is CHMOD it 777 (consult your FTP, Telnet, or SSH documentation for more info on how to do this). We do not recommended that you put a folder that is CHMODed 777 under your web root - another good reason to have it located above the document root

Iam a new in Forums CP, I did not understand what it means:confused:
Is there any special steps need to be done first?
Is there any side effects on any other settings?
Please advice and explain to a non expert person at all:erm:

<a href="https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/attachment_storage" target="_blank">https://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/attachment_storage</a>