[Sea Critter]

Since there are no admin forums, I thought I would post the question here.

I could have sworn this site used Infopop UBB software for the forums... As a UBB board owner myself, I am wondering why the switch to VBulletin? What are the advantages/disadvantages of the new software?

Just curious.

 

[sand flea]

Good question. Ultimately, UBB just wasn't cutting it. I'm going to assume you know a little about these programs as I explain it.

UBB uses a flat file structure, while VB uses a MySQL backend database. Database driven systems are more flexible, faster and easier to patch up if something explodes. UBB was driven by perl scripts (cgi's) that were prone to weird hiccups.

In the end, I just decided that while UBB used to be a great product, VB has left them in the dust with all their features. It's like they practically stopped developing for UBB Classic several years ago. Check out the sites of each and compare the features. There's no contest. (Plus VB is cheaper to renew for the upgrades area once you purchase a license). I hated to sink almost 200 bucks into another program since I had already purchased UBB a few years ago, but I think it's worth it.

 

[Sea Critter]

Cool. I appreciate the response. In my case the perl flat files was the very reason for selecting the ubb software due to the fact that I don't program, didn't want to maintain a SQL back-end database.

You're right though that Infopop seems to have neglected the ubb classic product, and that new features and updates are slow in arriving (not to mention the yearly cost of support licenses...etc.)

My site runs an older 6.1 version which seems adequate, although I've turned off a lot of the bells and whistles due to bandwidth concerns.

If you ever want to discuss politics head feel free to drop in.

http://www.capitolgrilling.com

CG is a specialty board much like PierandSurf is for fishing... and I have to admit, from one site owner to another, I love the design and functionality of your site and plan to be a long term member.

 

[sand flea]

Glad you like the site. I'll be sure to take a look at yours, particularly considering I'm a bit of a political junkie on the side.

I'm not really a programmer. VB was no harder to install (actually it was easier--no chmodding or any of that crap) than UBB. I wouldn't let that spook me off. All you need to do is make sure your hosting provider will let you run a MySQL database.

Another nice thing is that backup is a breeze. You know how UBB requires you to back up the thousands of user files just to backup your member database? VB allows the entire backup of the whole database--member info, posts, images, html styles, everything--into one file. You literally push a button and sit back and let it dump the file.

I know all about bandwidth concerns. I'm getting fried. Even though I deliver mostly text, I'm getting very close to having to upgrade to a dedicated server. I'm switching hosting companies this fall to a company that'll give me an extra 5 gigs of bandwidth for the same price. After that, dedicated server

 

[skunked]

Flea, we talk that much? Should have guessed that I reckon. Anyway let us know when the kitty gets low again.