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Setting up a vBulletin forum

by DotComBum
5 replies
Want to set up a vBulletin forum, want to know what type of hosting like how much space is needed (need to get a dedicate server?), also is there any installation service cause I don't think I can do it, anyone running a vBulletin forum can provide some suggestions? thanks!
#forum #setting #vbulletin
  • Profile picture of the author Bryan O'Neil
    It depends on how large you expect your forum to grow.

    For a small forum, all you need is a shared hosting account really. Then move on to a VPS, then get a dedi.

    vBulletin itself isn't resource-heavy at all (you can have 100s of VB installs running from one shared hosting account if each forum has 10 members) so your best bet is to keep an eye on your server load and move when you see that there's a need.

    As for installing VB, it's actually very easy and straightforward - and VB is very well documented. That said, I think they offer an installation service as well - check their website.
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  • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
    For vbulletin you will probably need a VPS with at least 384 megs of memory to start out with. Once traffic starts, look to upgrade to 512 or 768 of memory pretty quick.

    How many resources you need also depends on how many modifications you install. There are some shoutbox mods that will bring a forum to its knees.

    There is no automated install, if you do not want to install vbulletin, hire someone to do it for you.

    I run a vbulletin forum that has 59,100 members, 3 million post, and we average over 100,000 post monthly.
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  • Profile picture of the author Inforcer
    Go for XenForo. It is from the original developers of vBulletin who left Jelsoft due all the BS. It is cheaper, better (I have bought it myself and I am also NOT affiliated with them) and it DOES have an automated install.

    In fact, vBulletin is SO bad, I dare to say that the free SMF (simplemachines.org) is even better then vB!
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    • Profile picture of the author ~kev~
      Originally Posted by Inforcer View Post

      Go for XenForo. It is from the original developers of vBulletin who left Jelsoft due all the BS. It is cheaper, better (I have bought it myself and I am also NOT affiliated with them) and it DOES have an automated install.
      Did internet brands and xenforo settle that copyright infringement lawsuit?

      Originally Posted by Inforcer View Post

      In fact, vBulletin is SO bad, I dare to say that the free SMF (simplemachines.org) is even better then vB!
      That comment is laughable. SMF 2 was in development for what, 4 or 5 years? With such a long development time, its impossible to keep up with current trends.

      If you want some free forum software, go with MYBB. At least mybb keeps their software updated on a timely basis.

      How large of a community you running there Inforcer?
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  • Profile picture of the author JamesGw
    It depends on how big the site is. Kev clearly runs a pretty popular forum. I have one that's running in a shared environment that does about 1/10th of what his does with no issue at all.

    We also run a shoutbox converted into a live chat that can have as many as 20-25 people on it at any given time.

    Also, vBulletin is -super- easy to set up.
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