- How much Web Space is required initially? - How much space is required for MS SQL support? - Which MS SQL version I can use? - Which PHP version I can use?
How much Web Space is required initially? 100MB will get you started and support most new forums for a while - How much space is required for MS SQL support? That would be included in the hosting package. - Which MS SQL version I can use? Most of them work with 4+ or 5. One of those is the default on most servers - Which PHP version I can use? Same as mysql answer. is being phased out. New forums just don't need that many resources and will work fine on most shared hosting accounts. When looking at hosting read the fine print in the TOS and see how many concurrent mysql connections are allowed. Some bargain hosts severly limit these. The more the better. 20-40 is about the average on shared host. One well know host limits them to a paltry 8 on one of it's budget plans.
Those version numbers are for MYSQL, not for MS SQL. Personally I would avoid a windows hosting account and go with linux with Apache and MYSQL.