PHP Requirements

My shared host(OSH) is still running PHP version 5.2.11 with no plans for an upgrade. So, I can't install ZC version 1.5.x since they require a minimum of PHP 5.2.14. I'd guess some things may not work...not sure if it'd matter or not to me, but anyway.

This page( http://www.zen-cart.com/content.php?48-what-are-the-server-requirements-to-run-zen-cart) states that ZC v1.6.0 uses a minimum of PHP 5.2.10. Now...I'm not sure why ZC v1.6.x would allow an earlier version than ZC v1.5.x does.

So, is this correct and I may be able to install ZC v1.6.x if I wait? Or should I start looking at other hosting companies or a VPS solution?

You should do what is necessary to upgrade from 1.3.8a before you are hacked

It has known vulnerabilities, known since Jul 2006

V1.3.9h is secure and does not have significantly different server requirements than v1.3.8a. Also, most mods that work with v1.3.8a will work with v1.3.9h, or there has been plenty of time for updates to be made if required.

So if you can't use v1.5.x, go with v1.3.9h.