Does anyone know the ins and outs on how to start a forum like this? I am looking into starting one for my masonic lodge. Can anyone recommend a hosting company or forum software?
any help is appreciated.
Jake-
A leased license grants you the right to run vBulletin on one web server and one web site for each license purchased for 1 year from the date of order. Each license may power one instance of vBulletin on one domain. During the year, you will have unlimited access to the member area, where you can download updated versions of the software. At the end of the year, you must purchase another license in order to continue to run vBulletin.
Owned License - $160
An owned license grants you the right to run vBulletin on one web server and one web site for each license purchased for an unlimited time. Each license may power one instance of vBulletin on one domain. Included in this package is one year's access to the member area, where you can download updated versions of the software. If you require access to the member area after the year has elapsed, you can renew your access for $30 per year.
There's a ton of add-ins to customize the look and feel of the forum. It's been a couple of years but it took me about a week to set it up. It helps to know mySQL and PHP.
*no affiliation with vBulletin. I've been on vBulletin forums for years and like the functionality better than other forum software.
I was looking at the PHP BB site and saw the software was free. So I just need to buy the hosting. But How does it get from just downloading software to actually out on the internet..? Does my question make sense?
That's relative. You need to know PHP and mySQL to customize the forum software. There's a ton of info on both on the internet. Google both and you should get enough info to do it.