Installing VB onto the server

[BOLT]

Hey, is it relatively easy to install VB onto a server? I'm not very enthused about spending $135 to get it "professionally installed". What do you have to do to get it onto a server? (btw, I'm going to use medialayer DX)

[TheDPQ]

Its never taken me more then 15 mins to install a VB and that includes the download, config file, and uploading. Its rather painless but i've never been on a server that didn't work perfectly with VB.

I have no idea what Medialayer is. All you need is a winzip, simple FTP program, and notepad (to edit config.php) and you are ready to go.

It may take some time for you to customize it however. Thats a different story. :)

[Webmaster7]

Very easy to install and the updates are really great!
Customizing the design is done through the admin panel, unlike phpBB and others.

[PN-Matt]

$135 to install???

Installing forum software is so quick and painless. Why should it be so expensive?? :doh:

[Frets]

What you never heard of markup and living expenses. It's not like folks are lined up at McD's asking for an install as well.


Hmm that would be a nice job.

[PN-Matt]

They don't make a living from selling the licenses then?

I would never rip someone off for a install or something like that. That is quite simply a joke :eek2:

I understand they should make money but is it okay to rip people off for what is a 5min job??

(EDIT I am seeing it in my local currency and it looks better still a bit high though :P)

[TheDPQ]

My theory is that is that part of that is a 'stupid tax' for people who won't spend time to do a little research to see how its done. Some people never FTPed before and just the word 'installing' probably gives them hives. :D

I understand they should make money but is it okay to rip people off for what is a 5min job??
Well first there is getting their info, then theres some accounting invovled now, and some time, and god forbid if their server isn't set up right. Add in probably 20 mins of 'no sir i need the FTP address.' (It took me 2 days and finally just calling their host up to get a FTP address recently, so ya)

They still make money but having to support ANYTHING takes time.

[Frets]

,,, Add in probably 20 mins of 'no sir i need the FTP address.' .


Spoken like a true webmaster.

[PN-Matt]

Well said but I still fail to see where the need for those prices come from. (Call me blind and too addicted to my opensource, freeware software offerings if you will)

FTP addresses are usually a no brainer because it's most likely the domain he/she points ya to.

I think the best thing is to find out how to do it yourself. (You could ask someone trustworthy enough to install it for you though)

My £2 please don't shout me down for those £2! :nervous:

Matt

[TheDPQ]

Well said but I still fail to see where the need for those prices come from. (Call me blind and too addicted to my opensource, freeware software offerings if you will)
That is just how business works. Its not worth their time to offer (and set time aside for) installation unless they make a certain % off it. They figure they hire X people to do a average of X amount of sites a month and that cost them X amount of dollars and to make a profit they need to charge X amount.

FTP addresses are usually a no brainer because it's most likely the domain he/she points ya to.[/qutoe]
You'd think that but not all hosts (or server admins) are created equal.

[quote]I think the best thing is to find out how to do it yourself. (You could ask someone trustworthy enough to install it for you though)
No argument there. However its a service some people 'require' because they frankly refuse to learn it themselves. Its probably only a handful of people a week but they still have to keep a guy around to do it.

I'm sure it wouldn't be there at all if some people didn't demand it.

My £2 please don't shout me down for those £2!
No worries, a lot of things in business make people go 'wtf'. Think how much someone who repairs your car cost. They have a base hourly rate even if all they do is change the oil.

[PN-Matt]

I think I am aware of how businesses work ;).

I own a webhost. We install clients forum/CMS software free of charge (however it is done at discretion and work can be turned away).

Perhaps it's time we cash in too then :deyes: = Not a chance :)

Matt

[TheDPQ]

The vbulletin installation business isn't as competitive as hosting. It comes down to this is what they feel their time is worth, and what people are willing to pay for it. Its just not in their business plan to do it otherwise.

You know your servers and what is or isn't supported. I've had some realllly simple tasks take forever on different hosts because of the setup. I don't know how far vbulletin will go in installation but i didn't really think it is that outrageous.

I mean hell i wouldn't pay it but i know what i'm doing. :D

[Frets]

If It wwas a coporate pursiut the money Heck yeah I'd pay cause I'm fat like that. Most Self respecting companies would as well.

My Company sells templates. Top Designers who know these templates can turn $35 into $600 in under 2 hours.

Obviously I don't know Vb. I've seen my fair share of ibf, smf xoops and phpbb. each has it's own learning curve if nothing more for layout. In a corporate setting I just wouldn't have the time. esp if it were on a grid server. give them a jpg of the basic css hand over the documentation and let someone who knows vb handle it.

If you've ever had a heater core replaced they price out anywhere from $35 to $80. Getting to the damn thing , removing the hundred odd screws disasemmbling everything replacing then reassembling it back can easiy cost you another $400 to $600 in labor.