Novice Needs Help

[TexasTall]

I hope I placed this correctly.

I need some advice please.

I am a 66 year old novice with a big problem. My technical abilities rank about 2 on a scale of 10.

Currently I am using FusionBB 2.3 over 10 years. I have been told that the product is at" end of life for support." As I looked all over the web for a replacement I see that the vbulletin support community seems to be very strong. When I also saw the vbulletin 5 cloud service I thought that would be for me. They manage all software and database stuff, I manage my forums. With the vbulletin 5 tutorials I thought this was perfect. Then I found out that there is not a way to migrate my forums to the vbulletin cloud since it is not a vbulletin forum.

I searched around for help and found a web host that specializes in vbulletin. They said they would, install and host vbulletin for me. They also said they would set up a practice forum which was perfect. They also said that they could migrate my FusionBB forums. The plan was to migrate to VB4 to make migration to VB5 possible, and at the same time I could practice on VB5 and when I was ready they would move my forums to the cloud.

What happened next is the host service insisted that they could not install Vb5 because it is unstable. Since then I have cancelled my hosting account. Is this true. If yes, which version of vb should I use. I also need help finding another service to do all this. I really need a guiding hand once this is up and running because I will make mistakes. Can someone please help me.

web site info
allenonline.com
7,000 members but usual about 50-60 online at one time.

Thank you in advance,

Ivan

[Max Taxable]

v5 isn't "unstable," it just sucks. You're alot better off IMO going with the last v4.2 release if you're going with vBulletin.

Currently I am using FusionBB 2.3 over 10 years. I have been told that the product is at" end of life for support."

This doesn't necessarily mean you have to ditch it. It just means the version is no longer supported, meaning no more security updates or patches. If you're not having problems there's no reason really, to change. It's not going to suddenly stop working.

Panic "upgrades" never go well. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

[BirdOPrey5]

I would use the VB 4.2.3 Beta if starting today- you can download it from the Member's Area if you choose "More Download Options" after clicking the Download vBulletin 4 Publishing Suite link.

[Paul M]

As Max_Taxable says, unless you are having issues, then you should not rush into a move.

If you are going for vB, then go for vB 4.2.3, I think Impex can handle imports of FusionBB, but vb support would know better on that.

One point to note, you have to buy a vB5 licence, but once you have it, you can download and use any older version.

[TexasTall]

I could use help about choosing a vbulletin specialized hosting company.

[Dave]

You don't really need specialized vBulletin hosting. Any host should be fine.
But remember: the less you pay for hosting, the more issues you get and the less support you get.

[Max Taxable]

Originally Posted by TexasTall

I could use help about choosing a vbulletin specialized hosting company.

Sounds like you have your mind made up and based on some really bad advice from somewhere other then here, to boot.

vBulletin runs very well on almost any hosting, that's the whole idea of it. You don't need specialized hosting.

And what part of "If it ain't broke don't fix it" was unclear?

You're about to enter a land of misery for you and your membership, and for no apparent good, compelling reason.

[TexasTall]

I am sorry if I did not make myself clear.

First, I get the idea that 4.23 is the way to go. Thanks.

But I am also needed help installing Vb and after I learn the admin part, I would need help migrating my forums. I just thought that here were hosting companies that specialized in this. Is this wrong?

[ozzy47]

No, most hosting companies do not do that sort of thing. They are there for the sole purpose of hosting, not managing your desired software.

[Max Taxable]

Originally Posted by TexasTall

But I am also needed help installing Vb and after I learn the admin part, I would need help migrating my forums. I just thought that here were hosting companies that specialized in this. Is this wrong?

There are PEOPLE in this community who do. Might I suggest use of the "Paid requests" forum, you can well find yourself someone to do everything you want, turnkey. Lots and lots of trustworthy people here.