What is PHP and MySQL?

[lupro11]

I'm completely new to this sort of thing, however, I wish to set up a forum, would it be true to say that when I buy the vbulletin, I could change the name of the website?? and what dot whatever will it have eg .org. .com etc. I know this is unrelated but theres no point in making two threads on it. And.... MySQL and PHP, I understand you have to have these to set up vBulletin, but where do you get them from safely, do you have to buy them, if so, how much are they and what do you do with them when you have them?

[Lats]

If you currently have a website like lupro11.com, vBulletin would most likely work straight away after installation.

The only thing you need to check is if your website host already has php & mysql installed on their server. Both are free btw :)

[lupro11]

I don't have a website, how do I get one?

[Lats]

Ah, when you said "change the name of the website", I thought you had one :)

There are 2 parts to getting a website, one is getting a domain from a domain name registrar like enom or namecheap amongst others, and the other is getting a hosting company to host your domain/website.

Some offer both, but it's generally better to get them separately.

You can buy a domain name from around $9 a year and hosting can cost anything from $5 a month and more.

[lupro11]

Where could I purchase a .com or .net?

Where could I purchase a Domain thats safe and a Host, I'm not sure what they are but wheres the safest place to buy them?

Would I need to buy any equipment to run my site?, I would rather run it from home without bit equipment used for running it ya know?

[lupro11]

I went to enom and it seems a pretty safe site, could you give me links to the following pages for purchasing over the internet:
1. Domain for buying a .com
2. A Hosting Package ( Advanced Version )
I can't find the place for purchasing both?

And if I do buy the Hosting Package and Domain from enom, what's the next step for me to have my website up and running and how will I alter whats on the website if I wanted to change text etc, do I have to use wordpad or textpad etc.

And when I do purchase the Domain and Hosting Package, then I will buy the forum and it should work? Where do I download PHP and MySQL, cos I need them for using vBulletin, what am I supposed to do with them after I have my website up and running,

[Lats]

I couldn't recommend Enom hosting, it's far too limited, so spend some time reading the Hosting Options forums here...
http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=11

You'd be looking for a small hosting plan to begin with and the option to grow as needed along with 24 hour support. Just about all hosting companies have php & mysql as standard products.

Yep Enom are a very safe and reputable registrar however, their prices are a little steep for the casual buyer - I can get you a cheaper account though if you like.

You also need to consider an appropriate domain name suitable for your forum theme, if you have one. ie, if wouldn't be much good having the domain name 'sportstalk' if your forum is centered around pottery :)

[lupro11]

You could get a cheaper Enom price??,

Anyway, which Domain and Host would you recommend for it that's a reasonable price and works with a vBulletin....I read that other hosts etc go broken when a certain amount of people are on the internet at the same time, which host would prevent that and which one could you have over 5000 members and still works properly.

I have the appropriate name that's eligible. Why would I have a small hosting plan, why couldn't I start off with a larger one and whats a hosting plan? If most hosting companies have MySQL and PHP, does that mean I have to download them as well???