I want to start up a website & forum, but could use some advice.
 

Basicaully, the same as this dude: http://www.vbulletin.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308970, Rofl.

So I want to start up my own website, w/ a forum. I'm completely new to this, but it's something i've wanted to do for a number of years now. The thing is that I have no experience running a website, a forum, or dealing with web hosting whatsoever. I've never had a webhost, have no idea how ftp/uploading works. I have a fairly limited knowledge of HTLM and CSS - with no understanding of Java, PHP, SQL, XML, C#, or whatever else I may need.

Chances are that i'll be able to pick up on these things as I go, but hey I am new to this, so correct me if i'm wrong. :p

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Ok, so..

1. I checked out http://www.hostgator.com/shared.shtml - it looks affordable and perfectly capable as a host - if there's anything I should know, (or if there's a better host), i'm all ears.

2. I plan on purchasing a $180 - Owned license from vBulletin.

3. I can set up a website, (and hire someone to help me out wherever needed), but what i'm lacking is info on how to set up a vB forum, and how to upload it to a host (never done this before).

If anyone could point out the basic steps in setting up a forum and uploading it, i'd really appreciate it. Is there anything important I should know? Is there anything in specific that a hosts needs to support (for a vB forum)? - I also planned on running ads on the forum + website, at a later stage. and I'm a windows XP user - if that affects me in any way.


Thanks in advance to anyone who can help me out. - I'm just extremely cautious when it comes to new things like this, especially when it involves spending money.

Edit: Would I be required to download some sort of FTP software to upload the site + forum to the host?