how to get started

[mum2gem]

ok i need some help
i want to start a forum and no idea how to do it

can someone tell me what i need and how much its all going to cost please???

[Wayne Luke]

Before you get started developing your own message board, the first thing I recommend is using our vBulletin demo to get familiar with everything it takes to run a message board. It can be a complex task, and you need to be sure you're ready to tackle it.

You can set one up for your own use from this page:

http://www.vbulletin.com/admindemo.php

The demo is active for 24 hours. If you feel you need more time, reply to this ticket with the DemoID and ask for an extension.

You will also want to use our manual as a reference while learning the controls. The manual can be found here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/docs/html/

It covers most of the basic controls for operation of the software.

Once you have decided to purchase, there are 2 license choices.

Owned License ($160 USD):
This license is a perpetual license. With it, you can run the software forever. It includes email support and 1 year of software updates.
After the initial year, you can optionally renew access to software updates for a fee. The fee is currently $30US. You will still get email support even if you decide to not renew.

Leased License ($85 USD):
This license is good for 1 year. After the year is up you must either renew the lease, upgrade to an owned license or remove the software from the server. It also includes all software updates and email support for the term of the license.

You can order the software here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/order/

You will also need webhosting and a domain name. vBulletin requires a web server that includes PHP (minimum version 4.3.3) and MySQL (minimum 4.0.16) installed. As long as you choose a host that meets these requirements you will be able to install and run our software.

You can purchase the domain name at the same time you contract hosting. Most credible hosts now support both PHP and MySQL, and can run our software. We do not make official recommendations, but we do have a hosting review forum here:

http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=11

You can also look at http://www.webhostingtalk.com, an independent review site. Sometimes you will find hosting specials there that aren't available elsewhere on the web

[mum2gem]

thanks so much for all that
i know how they run, i was mod for one and we have gone our seprate ways now and id like to start my own, i have just bought a leased licence just waiting for it to clear