Ok i need an in depth answer on this becuz right now i dont really understand anything. Basically i want to open up an online forum. I have the domain name registered. Next step is a host. What do i need to look for in the host. I mean had anyone ever done a forum. I;m going to use vbulletin as the program. I think im gonna need email accounts and all sorts of things. much help appreciated. thanks.

You don't need a lot of storage and you need a database. I recommend www.godaddy.com. They are the world's largest hosting company and have everything you need.

Easy answer.

Hire a professional. You are just going to bury yourself trying to learn all these things just for a forum.

i use http://www.bluehost.com which has some really good prices and featrues and has built in forum software called phpforum.

enjoy

Go with http://asmallorange.com they have great customer service as well as access to Cpanel which is great for people new to building websites. The version of Cpanel asmallorange uses includes Fantastico which automates the process of installing forums like vbulletin.

Fantistico doesn't install vbulletin but can install the following:

Blogs

b2evolution

Nucleus

pMachine Free

WordPress

Content Management

Drupal