Hi,
I would like to know if safe_mode off is only needed for storing cached thumbs and images in /cache folder.
It's easy to avoid safe_mode On in this case by creating corresponding cache folders
manually and chmod them to 777...
Is it the only situation when safe_mode Off is required?
I'm asking this b/c I found some great hosting which has excellent quaility/speed and is cheap but they dont offer safe_mode Off and if it`s the only situation when safe_modeOff is required,
I think I will register on their server

@monster-

Before you do register with the host, consider that Tristan (zenphoto's developer) recommends finding a host that supports no safe_mode restrictions, and you can see what the PHP developers have to say about it as well here: http://www.php.net/manual/en/features.safe-mode.php

PHP is basically debilitated, or "hamstrung" with Safe_Mode "on".

If you have a choice, go with a provider that doesn't provide a limited set of features for PHP. There are lots out there that are good providers, but don't limit your abilities. I use Dreamhost myself, but there are lots of others out there as well, below $9.95 a month USD that are just as good.

Dreamhost and other providers from USA aren't good choice for me in Poland
I have at least 170-200ms and more than 15 hops to destination.
(it's very slow, even if my download is 200KB/s, but the delay is too long)
It would be good solution if my visitors were from all of the world,
but my gallery is made for my friends from Poland.
I found some provider which is only 4 hops far from me, and ping average about 10ms!!!
and it's incredibely fast!!!
here it is http://monster.proste.pl/zenphoto/
I found some cheaper option in DataCenter in Germany, which allow safe_mode Off,
here it is http://monster.forall.pl/zenphoto/ (test account)(for me it`s visibly slower),
I also have an free account on my friend's dedicated server in USA,
this is address http://www.nawrocki.be/zenphoto/
The last version is hosted too far from me and the quality is very pooor.
I suppose that the last site loads very fast in your brower and for the first you have to wait...
Can you test those three locations?

@monster, if you like that host, go for it! Zenphoto will support a safe_mode compatibility mode in the upcoming 1.0.8 version, which should be released this week. After that I'll try always to ensure that it works reasonably well even with safe_mode on, so you may consider that a feature!