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The most important questions to ask yourself and/or your host provider when running a MYSQL based forum are:

1. How many (active members) in your community?

The more concurrent connections you have using MYSQL, will increase CPU utilization. In a virtual web hosting package you will share the CPU and Memory with other customers. If you have a dedicated server you control the playing field and have full control of resources for your web site and forum.

2. How much storage will you need?

The good thing about a database is that it doesn't store flat files like a CGI based forum which uses a lot of storage space. A database forum like VBulletin uses MYSQL which compresses data thus using very little storage. I recommend that you find a host provider that offers at least 10 GB of storage or greater.

3. How much Bandwidth will you need?

This is calculated by pages being accessed and displayed for your active users. The more content and images that load upon a user request for a page or thread will have increase your bandwidth use. There are host providers that offer Unmetered traffic or unlimited which means the same. There's no limit to what you use. However, this will cost you. I would recommend that you find a host provider that offers at least 250 GB monthly.

Check out Tophosts.com they have been around since 1997 and compare host providers. If you have no time to do the research, go to hostway.com they have very competitive packages that will provide enough of what I discussed above for your forum hosting.

Hope this helps you.