Hi,
You can use Softaculous to install a Forum and you can refer to the following guide on how to install a script :
https://www.softaculous.com/docs/Install_a_Script
The above example is for WordPress and similarly you can install any forum available in Softaculous. The list of forums available in Softaculous can be found here :
http://www.softaculous.com/apps/forums
Quote 1. i was looking over the softaculous licenses and was confused, one was dedicated server for $24, other was VPS for $12, can you explain the difference? my goal was to get a forum and add it to some web host and start from there.
If you will be purchasing Shared hosting you will not need to purchase a license yourself but you will need to purchase web hosting with the host that offer Softaculous with their shared hosting packages. You can refer to our NOC partners link here :
http://www.softaculous.com/softaculous/NOC_Partners
If you are planning to purchase a VPS or a Dedicated server then you can purchase the license accordingly i.e. if it is a VPS purchase a VPS license and if it is a Dedicated server purchase a Dedicated server license. The features and number of scripts available is the same for both the licenses.
Quote
2. can i buy the forum license( whatever that one may be) and get it to the web host and after its going, im able to start adding stuff to the website? i do not own a website , so i wont be transferring anything over from somewhere else other than my personal computer.
The forums available via Softaculous are all free and you do not need to purchase a license for using them. Once you have your account setup with your web host you can directly install the forum you want on your hosting account.
Quote 3. how customizable are themes, and can they be changed so i can add my own logos to the background, and such? and are there options to allow for private forums inside the website( like a "VIP" members area?
Regarding customization you will need to contact the forum script vendor of the forum you decide to use as it differs from script to script. Though most of the forums do have the options to change logo, background and other customization options. Regarding the private forum I am not sure and you will need to contact the forum vendor.
You can check the demos for all the forum scripts we offer here :
http://www.softaculous.com/apps/forums
You can try the demo and check which script has the features you need and then choose the script accordingly.
Hope this helps.
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