Another hosting recommendation thread... Lunarpages?

[jaysen]

100-150 members/users initially (with future expansion not exceeding 500)

the forum will be used mainly as a means of communication as opposed to departmental e-mails. I don't see the forum being used often maybe 10-20 threads/replies a day... if that.

I'm sure some members/users would post pictures but don't see that happening all that often if ever.

I would like to keep cost to a minimum and found Lunarpages to be highly recommended. Which package from Lunarpages would one recommend or based on my criteria recommend a different company ?

Also slightly off-topic, if I were to use vBulletin would I be able to create assigned User Names and Passwords ? Without the option to register a new name ? -I guess an easier way of explaining is.. can I specifically assign each person a username based on their real name (i.e. JohnDoe or JDoe) with a predefined password that they can change at login. My main concern is to avoid confusion on who is posting or "ghost registrants" registering and posting anonymously.

And does vBulletin allow the option to have the forum locked to only registered users and a sub section open for anonymous posting ?

[URLJet]

A basic shared hosting plan would be fine for your needs.

As for the username/password question yes you can assign usernames and passwords from the vbulletin admin panel.

Good luck :)

[jaysen]

Thanks for the quick response... Looks like I'll be purchasing soon.

[alemcherry]

You can disable registrations and do it yourself from admin control panel. Or you can enable manual verifications so that users can register and you just have to verify from admin cp.

Lunarpages is one of the better shared host and I would suggest hostgator as a slightly better option. If you dont mind paying an extra bit, you may consider liquidweb shared hosting for a superior support and uptime.