Forum Hosting (Novice) - Where to Start? - UK Web Hosting | Dedicated Server Windows and Linux VPS Forum

**McN41R** · #1 (**permalink**) 19-08-2008, 09:17

I would like to be able to host my own forum. Not really decided whether own server or rented server. I ahve used a free forum and I have hosted my own web page before but I have not hosted a forum.

I just dont know where to start???, so if somebody could give me a shove just to get me going.

I would like my forum to be similar in appearance to this on (so I assume php is fine), but instead of a site map I would like to show "affiliate web sites" and a "searchable database" which the results would again link to various affiliate web pages?

So any advice on:

where to host and possible by the domain name?

What softawre to write and manage a php forum?

How to put a searchable database on the side?

Thanks for the push

Regards
sandy

**sb123** · #2 (**permalink**) 19-08-2008, 17:24

Get a cPanel hosting. Initially when your forum doesn't have too many members and bandwidth is not a problem, a shared cPanel Hosting will be an economical option for you.

Later on, you can always upgrade to VPS hosting, or if money is not a constraint, a dedicated hosting plan, or a semi-dedicated hosting, or any other hosting plan that gives you more space and bandwidth as needed.

Choose a niche market that you are comfortable with, and get a relevant domain name, preferably a dot com.

Forums are loved by search engines because the forums are constantly updated with fresh content (through all those new comments, posts, and threads). Concentrate on getting members, traffic, and relevant and valuable comments. Also allow to seep in some general comments too. Absolutely stop the Spam comments.

You will get a forum program right inside the cPanel (see Fantastico), or get some custom-made forum scripts. Search on the internet.

Read this link for detailed information:
Choosing Forum Software

P.S.: This forum is Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.2 (See at the bottom of this page).

For all your hosting needs:
eUKHost's cPanel Hosting

**McN41R** · #3 (**permalink**) 20-08-2008, 08:05

Good response, thanks for that.

If anybody has any further advise or opinions please continue to post.
sandy

**Cenial** · #4 (**permalink**) 28-08-2008, 16:06

As for forum software I would suggest using Vbulletin as once you are a member you will have access to vbulletin org addons/mods/skins which are easy to use and will have the search function you wish and the look you would like.

**WelshTom** · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cenial

As for forum software I would suggest using Vbulletin as once you are a member you will have access to vbulletin org addons/mods/skins which are easy to use and will have the search function you wish and the look you would like.

phpBB3 FTW! The best software is open source.

**charlesgan** · #6 (**permalink**) 18-09-2008, 06:11

you can start with shared hosting and open source forum, if you have a budget issue.

If you aimed to commercialize your forums and bring it further, repeatedly you need to have popular forum scripts like vbulletin.

Once your forum is growing you can consider to upgrade to vps hosting or Dedicated Server Hosting.

**kendalbigson** · #7 (**permalink**) 21-09-2008, 01:31

it depends on the size of your forum, but dedicated servers would be the best choice.

Kendal Bigson