Member Avatar for Hellfire1190

I know this might be kind of a stupid question but do you need server software on your computer to have a vBulletin forum? If so what are some reliable ones to choose from?

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Dani AI

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A modern update to the points raised by and others: vBulletin is a PHP/MySQL web application, so it needs a web server stack (Apache/Nginx/IIS) plus PHP and a MySQL/MariaDB database to run. The very old minimums quoted in 2005 (PHP 4.x, MySQL 3.x) are obsolete — current vBulletin releases require recent PHP and database versions; check the product release notes for the exact version supported. vBulletin system requirements. (vbforos.net)

For local development, use a bundled stack so no remote server is required. XAMPP (cross‑platform) and WampServer (Windows) install Apache + PHP + MariaDB/MySQL in minutes and are the usual way to install vBulletin on localhost for testing and template work before going live. XAMPP, WampServer. (apachefriends.org)

For live hosting, pick a provider that explicitly supports the PHP/MySQL versions the vBulletin build requires and offers backups, SSL, cron access and good support. Shared hosting is cheapest for small boards; move to VPS/managed hosting as traffic grows. Example providers list vBulletin plans and one‑click installs (for example KnownHost’s vBulletin hosting packages). KnownHost vBulletin hosting. (knownhost.com)
(If price was the original concern: free alternatives like phpBB — suggested earlier by — remain viable for hobby sites, but compare features and security; ’s point about older phpBB2 vs newer commercial vBulletin releases is worth factoring in.)

Logo and branding: replacing the visible forum logo is simple (swap the theme/logo file or upload the named logo used by your vBulletin theme — see a step walkthrough). How to change the vBulletin logo (example guide). However, historically the vBulletin license required the “Powered by vBulletin” attribution to remain unless a branding‑removal add‑on was purchased; verify current license terms in the vBulletin member area before removing footer attribution. (fastcomet.com)

Quick checklist missing from the older replies: confirm PHP/MySQL versions first; test locally (XAMPP/Wamp); choose a host that mentions vBulletin support; secure the forum (SSL, backups, updates); and keep a tested upgrade/migration plan.

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Member Avatar for ResaleBroker

I believe the minimum requirements are:
PHP 4.1.0
MySQ: 3.23.33

Member Avatar for Hellfire1190

do you have any suggestions for fairly cheap ones for vBulletin?

Member Avatar for ResaleBroker

do you have any suggestions for fairly cheap ones for vBulletin?

You might check into "A Small Orange". I believe they have hosting as low as $5 per month.

Member Avatar for Hellfire1190

are they reliable?

Member Avatar for Hellfire1190

I also have a question about using vBulletin. If I were to buy a year license and not buy the option to take off all vBulletin branding would I still be able to put on my own logo?

Member Avatar for ResaleBroker

To my knowledge, "A Small Orange" is reliable.

Yes, you can place your own logo on your vBulletin forum even when the branding has not been removed.

Member Avatar for Gargen

yea you could get vbulliten but i recomend phpbb its better in my opinion and its free

Member Avatar for Wildbill65

Well, I work with both PHP and VB and I really don't agree (sorry, but I have buds that I work with that think the other way, hehe) but if you go to a small orange, they are very reliable. I have a few sites I manage there. You will get the CP and I believe they offer the free PHP. (I will post back if not). That is definately a server to consider if you are starting either PHP or VB.

If it is your first site, you may want to consider getting someone with expirence that can set it up for you. You are looking at the URL name for about $15 per year. Small orange package for $5 per month so if you go with the annual VB you are looking at $85 which is $100 plus 5 per month. If you want to play with the PHP you would only be at the $15 plus $5 per month and could get someone to set it up for you for the $85 (or less) easily for a simple setup (actually, what I find more of a problem is the upgrades and hacks or modification of skins working with PHP just easier with VB). IF you don't have a lot of uploads or links to whatever, you can inport the PHP site to VB ( a little tricky, but it works). Again, if you are not sure what you are doing, try it and if you screw it up someone can come in and set it up in about 1/2 hour with a basic setup easily and you can play with it. It depends on your finances.

Also there are a few other boards out there that you may want to consider that work well. It depends on how much you want to customize them.

JMO.

Member Avatar for Zachery

yea you could get vbulliten but i recomend phpbb its better in my opinion and its free

I personally cannot attest to phpBB being better in any respect besides directly costing less, otherwise, its not a fair comparsion, phpBB2 is years old, when compared to vB2/3/3.5

Member Avatar for MajorFm.com

Its dead easy, once its installed, simply go through the tutorials

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