Newbie Questions related to Hosting - Pls help

[saurontx]

Hi

I am planning to buy my own license to Vb to open up a forum, and would like to have some basic info about the hosting server and type of server I may need.

I have been working as a co-admin in one forum already for 1.5 yr, so I am well aware of the workings of vb and the admin panel, but what I dont know is how to get started to set up my own forum ? Here are a couple of my questions and I will be glad if anyone could answer these for me.

1. My new forum may have about a 100-200 online members at a given time (rough estimate) after 1 month of its starting and it may increase further. New user registrations per month may be from 1000-3000 per month.

Based on this criteria, what kind of server host shall I choose and from whom ? What will be the charges for it ?

2. Since I will also include advt from adsense or google adsense in it, can anyone have a rough estimate as to how much revenue can such a forum generate per month ? Basically I am more interested in keeping the forum alive by using the adsense money for maintaining server costs. If it gets any profitable, well, I wont mind that

3. Is there a set up fees on any server / Is there any fees for installing Vbulletin on server ?

4. How do I buy a domain name for my server and how much does it usually cost ? Is it 1 time cost or do I have to pay that monthy ?

I would really appreciate someone helping me out with these queries.

THanks

[saurontx]

Can someone who has some info about these questions please help me ? My purchase of Vb is pending till I get to decide on which kind of server I will be needing.

Additionaly, I also read in a couple of hosting reviews where people have said that certain hosts had "restrictions" on the number of active/concurrent users, like 15-25 per time. Is that true for all types of server ? How do I find it how much restriction does my hosting company has ?

[Interdit]

Hello,

No need to write in bold , give at least 24 hours to get an answer.

1. I would start with a shared package, like 1Gb of disk space and 10Gb of traffic, around 15$ per month for a correct one.

Then when you will go above 50 users (the general shared hosting restriction) online at the same time, it will be time to move to a VPS (50 $ per month) or small dedicated server, around 150$ with Cpanel, daily backups and so on...

The prices given are just there to give you an idea, a price range, it can be cheaper or more expensive in different companies, all depends the service you are looking for.

2. I don't know about that one, all I know it's pretty ugly and visitors don't like ads. But it could easily generate 30-50$ per month.

3. It depends of the hosting company or datacenter. Most of the time there is no fees. To install vbulletin, you can easily do it by yourself, or ask your hosting company to do it, they might be doing it for free, or buy a pro install over vbulletin.com

4. A .com domain is around 7$ per year, take a well known registar.


Good luck in your research,

[saurontx]

Thanks for your response. & sorry for the bold font, just an habbit but ofcourse didnt mean to offend

[eUKhost.com]

1. My new forum may have about a 100-200 online members at a given time (rough estimate) after 1 month of its starting and it may increase further. New user registrations per month may be from 1000-3000 per month.
Based on this criteria, what kind of server host shall I choose and from whom ? What will be the charges for it ?

Ans: Initially, you can go for a shared hosting package and then upgrade as per your needs. It will depend on your budget as well. So which host you will prefer UK or US based?

2. Since I will also include advt from adsense or google adsense in it, can anyone have a rough estimate as to how much revenue can such a forum generate per month ? Basically I am more interested in keeping the forum alive by using the adsense money for maintaining server costs. If it gets any profitable, well, I wont mind that

Ans: It all depends on how you market your forum. Yes, adsense will definitely help you with some money.

3. Is there a set up fees on any server / Is there any fees for installing Vbulletin on server ?

Ans: If you are opting for a Dedicated or VPS Server then there will be charges for the setup of server whereas the installation of VBulletin will be free. Hosting companies usually charge you for installation if you go for Shared Package.

4. How do I buy a domain name for my server and how much does it usually cost ? Is it 1 time cost or do I have to pay that monthy ?

Ans: You can register a domain with enom.com, Godaddy or any other Domain Registrar and they charge you yearly.