New and Looking!

[C_P]

Hello All!
I am currently "browsing" the net for portal/boards and like many, I want the best for what I can afford.
I have used actively the following:

tcms
Xoops
Invision
YaBB, SE
YaPP
and a brief time VB a long time ago.
and now using SMF

I am running a free PC assistance site and we use much news posting on "Home Page" as well as portal blocks for reviewing topics, links, etc. such as you have here.
I would like a portal that comes with it's own forum software so no integration is required. OR at least that can be upgraded faily easy.
I am a basic no nothing about installing forums/portals and mostly have had them converted for us and installed.
Speaking of conversion, I would also need our current SMF database converted to be functional with this one if offered.
SO, in a nutshell, it looks like you have here a nice board and would like to get some feed back from others on what their "HONEST" opinion is or what I should review EVEN if this vBulletin system is not for me.
Are there any staff here that could contact me directly for converting my forum database into this one? I have a spare database to play on.
I would like to speak to them on AIM, MSN, ICQ, or whatever.
I've installed a phpnuke site and would still need that converted but like the looks of this one.

Ok, in order to do what I need, I would have to first purchase a owned license which costs $160 one time fee or $85 yearly lease, then I would need someone to conver and install this for us, that would cost me another $120 according to vB purchasing agreement.
So, this project would cost me a total of aprox. $205 to use this sytem.
I then would need to get a portal system added on which could cost more.
Do you have some type of lower payment terms or options for those that do this for a Hobbie and offer free assistance at their sites?
I.E., my wife would KILL me if I told her, "Hunny, I need to spend $205 to start a move on my site, then maybe more..."

I am not being sarcastic here, I am very seriously asking what kind of deals you have or maybe your staff or members offer.
*I know, you are thinking, another looser asking for a free ride... I am not, I just cannot afford this kind of cash right now.
I can afford some and offer assistance where needed or how I can.

Thank you soooo very much again.

I have asked at e107, phBB, phnuke, IBF, and no one can help me.
The only ones that replied to me were at vB!
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showt...0&page=1&pp=15

They have been great so far but have referred me here to see if someone here could assist?


Please help!
Thank you VERY much for your valued input!


A new member,
CP