I would also suggest using the free forums it doesn't sound like you have the cash to shell out for vB ATM, you can always start with phpbb, build the forum up, then when you have some cash, buy vbulletin and import the db.. Which is also very easy vB is the best, but use a stolen license and you will be sorry.
How hard is it to import SMF database into VB? Is there any compatibilitie problems? If you buy the license for one year, what happens if you don't renew, will the software still work?
It's easy to import a SMF database to vBulletin with the included import & export tool called ImpEx. If you don't renew your license you can continue using the software (if you have an owned license) but can't receive more updates until you pay the renewal of the license.
No I meant if you have the leased license, after a year can you use it still or will the software somehow automatically stop working?
A jelsoft member could have told someone else yea... But really no one knows. The amount of bugs being reported will ususally tell IMO
There is no VB available yet,if you only want VB,you can buy one from B/S/T section,I hope you can find some there,but if you do not mind other free forum script,I'd suggest you go with Phpbb. Good luck.
The reason vBulletin is so widely sought after, is because it is heavily supported. vBulletin has a great feature set. The license cost is worth it. Not everything can be free.
vBulletin is expensive, but it is 100% worth it. I had a leased license for a year, I have recently upgraded to owned.
It is impossible to use VBulletin without license because it is not a simple software runs on your own PC. You can be easily detected on the net. But for trying you can also find unlicensed version of it. Set up and just look for admin area, moderators area bla. bla and if you like it buy. However, I advice you to use free forums too. PHPBB3, SMF, MyBB, and Tairo are also good forum softwares. Just check http://www.forummatrix.org to compare forum softwares.
You really need a very high traffic forum with very active user base to justify the cost of VB. Im talking like hundreds of daily active forum posters. Otherwise your just wasting good money.
Or maybe you can start with a free sorum software and if you have reached huge numbers of visitors then you can convert it into vBulletin if you really love it vB has a facility called implex it converts all the forums to vBulletin.