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.

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]

Originally Posted by BirdOPrey5

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?

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]

Originally Posted by ForceHSS

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 [DATE]1343949694[/DATE] at [TIME]1343949694[/TIME] ---------------

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.