Pre-sales: Info requested, vBulletin

[SimvD]

Yes, I am new at some aspects of this.

I admin two phpbb2 forums and I also supermod a vB so I am very familiar with that end of things, but I’m unfamiliar with how to best match a host with my ultimate needs, especially if I’m going to be paying for it

At the moment, I am looking for a host for one of my phpbb2 forums...will be switching that to vB.

Basic info:

1). I am switching to vBulletin, but have the .sql from my phpbb2.
2). Currently 350 users, approx 20-30 visit the site daily, most online at one time is 10-15, this is expected to grow quickly.
3). Currently 500 mb in attachments, expecting this to increase significantly
4). We’re extremely heavy on images in posts as we host contests based on images/graphics.
5). An arcade, image gallery and other usage-heavy add-ons are on the wishlist
6). We do not mass email
7). I anticipate the search function to be used often by members

Concerns/Questions:
1). Cpu usage errors, will this ever be an issue, and under what circumstances will this be an issue?
2). When you say:
- Free Domain Transfer
- Free File Transfers
- Free Database Transfers
- Free Script Transfers
Does that mean you will help me install the .sql from my phpbb2 onto vBulletin?
3). I made the error of purchasing hosting from someone else a few days ago, while I was considering remaining with phpbb2, but have since learned it was the wrong decision for a vB and for my needs. They offered a free domain name with hosting. I can cancel with them, but can I get the same domain name with you?
4). Do any of the 4,500 templates you offer support vB?
5). If I mod vB, do I still get full support?

And finally:
1). I’m most likely going with *baby* or *swamp*. What would be the most compelling reason to go with *swamp* based on my needs?
2). How soon after I purchase a plan will I be up and running?
3). Is support available to talk me through setting up a testforum, with vB and my existing .sql..and then to talk me through setting it all up on the main forum once the bugs are worked out? Is this help available on the weekends?

I’m sure I have many more questions. Thanks for the response.

[SimvD]

sorry to double post but an *edit* button is not available

my backup is 3.5 mb's

[Jordanlw]

1. You need to see if VB has a conversion script from PhPBB>VB
2. Thats fine.
3. Thats fine
4. Should be ok.
5. Also ok
6. Good
7. Thats fine

1. Considering all before you should be fine.
2. Nope.. Thats done by YOU
3. Do a Whois on it and see if its owned or not.
4. Nope.. There website Templates no VB templates
5. Who knows? This is HG not VB

1. Swamp, As you said your going to grow..
2. Pay via CC and it should be instant.
3. This is HG NOT VB get support from your products site.

Note: This is peer support so you wont get a official HG response.

[SimvD]

phpbb2>vB can be converted, no problem.

We *should* be ok with our heavy use of images/image galleries, or we *will* be ok?

I understand I install vB etc...but what exactly is offered with the *free transfers*?

The *whois* is my current host (who I am cancelling with) because I chose to protect my privacy.

Does HG offer the same privacy protection? I do NOT want my personal information on a whois.

Do I need a new domain name in that case?

I know this isn't vb, but I ask that because it is an issue that came up with other hosts, and I was interested in a response.

Thanks for your help! I appreciate peer support I suppose I'll wait for a HG representative to answer before I hit the *purchase* button.

[Jordanlw]

The transfer is transferring all settings & data from your old host to HG providing them with the login details etc.
If the domain does not have your name on it you do not legally own it or have ANY rights to it.
I would recommend purchasing your domain from Http://www.GoDaddy.com,
1. Cheaper
2. Optional Piravy Protection (Extra Fee)
3. Noob Friendly GUI (UCP for Domains)

[slapshotw]

Just an FYI-- if you're actually using a ton of heavy usage plugins, and getting a huge increase in traffic, CPU usage could become an issue. By the time that happens though, you'll hopefully be able to monetize that kind of traffic to get a dedicated (which they have for $75, it's just unlisted on the dedicated sales page).