Attachments: Move Items from File System into Database?

[kevinh]

Can someone please advise what the benefit is of moving attachment items from File System into Database? (is there a benefit?)

EDIT: I found the answer... :)

vBulletin provides you with two options for storing post attachments: 1) you can store them in the database or 2) you can store them in the file system on your web server. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. The database is more efficient with storage space and is easier to backup than individual files. However, storing attachments in the database is also an extra burden on the database when users download attachments. Other considerations include how you want to restrict access to attachments, whether you want to use vBulletin's permission system or directory permissions like htaccess.

[Brian]

Personally I always recommend the file system unless your server simply will not allow file uploads or is in strict safe mode. Files can be protected just as well and there's less strain on the server. The only downside is you would have to backup your attachments folder separately from the database, but that's worth the added server performance IMO.