1 more question??
 

Once i buy a forum how easy is it to get online and what do I have to do?

Its very easy to install. 1 file edit to add in your myql username and password and just a few point and clicks in your browser.

Once i purchase the forum do they have servers to host or how do i go about it is my main question?

You need to sort out your own server/host.

how does one go about doing that sorry if thats a dumb question?

Check the web hosting forum at vbulletin.com to see what servers people are recommeding. You should go with a lightwight package until you get your site up and going strong.

ok will do if i need help once i buy it is this a good place to learn and get help i am new to php and really need to upgrade my free forum??

Sure you can always ask questions here, usually someone will come across and answer it.

You may also want to pick up a book or two on php to learn the basics. Sitepoint has a good tutorial (and book on it)

Out of the box vBulletin don't need any php knowledge. Only if you are installing hacks (modifications) a lot of common sense and a bit of php knowledge would come in handy.

To migrate your current board to vBulletin, check out the ImpEx section at vbulletin.com of your old board software is supported. ImpEx is a migration utility that can be downloaded for free for vB license owners.

I'd strongly suggest going through the admin manual as well, located here :
http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/