I've always been using blogger and their provided hosting but now I want to switch to WP. I want to include a forum on my website but I am a complete newbie. I was wondering if "Fantastico" the tool provided by webhosting services, should factor into my decision. Does it really make installing forums and other scripts easier? Should I choose hosting from one company over another because of it?
I dont think it makes that much of a difference, I offer it to my hosting clients, but not many use it. I always recommend installing scripts yourself, as it is not too hard, and gives you more flexibility. Also, fantastico does not always has the most up to date version of each script.
Unless you are very comfortable installing scripts, I recommend using a host with Fantastico. Most good hosting providers offer it anyway so it should not be a big deal to find one. It is fast to install and set up a WP blog and it also has easy update when they release a new version. The big difference with other scripts is that they are limited to what is offered. I do not like the directory software they offer so I still had to install my own of those. I have not found any difference, please explain the flexibility difference! As far as the most up to date version, it does not normally get released on Fantastico until it is a stable version.
what do you mean your clients? How much is hosting.....do you provide support? I've never installed a script in my life... so it sounds usefull....I just don't want go with hosting provider simply for that tool then end up having to hire someone to install a forum for me in the future if I can't get one installed and working.
It should be a factor... I install myself but I think relatively experienced and advanced users tend to forget what it's like to be completely or functionally ignorant on these things... hence our inclination to say, 'just do it yourself'