Best forum software?

[xequence]

What to you is the best free forum software? Like phpbb and SMF.

And what are the advantages/disadvantages and features, and if you used it what your experience was with it.

And it would be good if I can close registeration, but allow people to invite other people and such. And have a good way of doing that.

Thanks :)

And off topic, but oh well - I did a clean install of XP and the automatic update thing went on. It has been running for almost an hour, downloading and installing things, making everything go slow.


Initializing installation... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB890859) (update 1 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows Messenger (KB887472) (update 2 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB896428) (update 3 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB905749) (update 4 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB904706) (update 5 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB900725) (update 6 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB888302) (update 7 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB892944) (update 8 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB901214) (update 9 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB905414) (update 10 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB899589) (update 11 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB893066) (update 12 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB890046) (update 13 of 33)... done!
Installing 816093: Security Update Microsoft Virtual Machine (Microsoft VM) (update 14 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB891781) (update 15 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB902400) (update 16 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB905495) (update 17 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB896358) (update 18 of 33)... done!
Installing Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer 6 Service Pack 1 (KB896688) (update 19 of 33)... done!
Installing 814078: Security Update (Microsoft Jscript version 5.6, Windows 2000, Windows XP) (update 20 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB888113) (update 21 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB873339) (update 22 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB896423) (update 23 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB893756) (update 24 of 33)... done!
Installing Security Update for Windows XP (KB896424) (update 25 of 33)... done!


Ubuntu's updates go much faster, and they include all software installed.

[qalimas]

I prefer MyTopix ( http://jaia-interactive.com ) over all else. It's not open-source, but it is free. I love it's default layout, very professionally done, it's got a near perfect feature base, the community is nice, and it's easy to run. I can't really go into technical details about it, when it comes down to what I'd prefer to use on forums, I don't see hte need to, I'm just more comfortable using MyTopix over anything else.

[xequence]

Looks cool, more specificially, it looks similar to blackbox. (The WM).

Ill check it out :)

[WildTangent]

I've always been an Invision user myself, and prefer it over other forum software, but it's not free. PHPBB is highly customizable because it's opensource, but you need to actually know what you're doing ;). As for SMF...ughh, I can't stand it, it's too basic for my tastes. I'd go with PHPBB, and if you don't mind paying, Invision Power Board. I believe it's a one time fee, but you dont get updates unless you pay :p

-Wild

[basketcase]

I own an Invision board and love it. I moderate on a phpbb board, and have one locally to just play around with the db.

A board that I frequent just switched from vbulletin to smf. I like smf, but it does seem to lack features that I like in Invision and phpbb for that matter. I'm sure it's an infant compared to other boards.

If you want something free, use phpbb, and keep it updated.

[TravisNewman]

smf is fantastic, IMO

[Malphas]

PunBB (http://www.punbb.org/), it's open source, fast and generates vaild XHTML. Best forum software out there in my opinion.

[newbie2]

What to you is the best free forum software? Like phpbb and SMF.
i wondered myself also , and found this site (Free and Commercial Web Forum Software) for a good comparison ;) -->
http://www.thinkofit.com/webconf/forumsoft.htm

[xequence]

How much more bandwidth does phpbb take, compared to punbb?

I cant decide...

But then again, I dont even have a site yet. I need to get stupid paypal to work.

[NotJustANewbie]

I like SMF alot, but when I'm setting up my own forums, I always use phpBB.
phpBB seems to be leaps and bounds ahead of all other forum software available to me.

[xequence]

I like SMF alot, but when I'm setting up my own forums, I always use phpBB.
phpBB seems to be leaps and bounds ahead of all other forum software available to me.

I like phpbb also, but I hate that when you view a topic, I tend to click on the "New Topic" thing at the bottom instead of "post reply". Its just so unnatural to have that there.

I am still torn between phpbb, punbb, and the vBulletin I downloaded. Not sure if it will work, but heh :P

[MechR]

Not familiar with forum software, but I've heard of Vanilla (http://getvanilla.com/). Open source.

[Virak]

PunBB, although if I was going to put up forums on my own site, I'd probably just write my own.

[xequence]

PunBB, although if I was going to put up forums on my own site, I'd probably just write my own.


Making my own isnt an option ;)

[Malphas]

phpBB seems to be leaps and bounds ahead of all other forum software available to me.
Are you serious!? It's miles behind almost every one of it's competitors/alternatives.

[Rackerz]

phpBB is behind in many instances. Let's hope there next BIG release gets them up to speed and keeps them in the race.


How much more bandwidth does phpbb take, compared to punbb?

I cant decide...

But then again, I dont even have a site yet. I need to get stupid paypal to work.
You don't always have to pay for hosting, some people do some GOOD free hosting.

In my opinion, vBulletin is the best out there at the moment, while it's not free, it certainly lives up to it's high price.

[xequence]

You don't always have to pay for hosting, some people do some GOOD free hosting.

In my opinion, vBulletin is the best out there at the moment, while it's not free, it certainly lives up to it's high price.

I really cant afford 160$ for it at the moment. I did download it from a torrent site though, and I will probably try that. (Though its probably best not to make a site visibally using a pirate copy of vBulletin ;))

And with free hosting, most sites dont give you much bandwidth, much space, and dont have PHP. Plus I dont want a myname.insertsitehere.com name. It is just unprofessional.

[newbie2]

PunBB (http://www.punbb.org/), it's open source, fast and generates vaild XHTML. Best forum software out there in my opinion.
here is a review of punBB -->
http://software.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/10/19/2014253&tid=132&tid=13

[m0biu5]

Just putting in my vote for punBB - great software.:)

[majikstreet]

phpbb is ugly without a skin IMHO... but vBullietin rocks... but it's not free. and neither is invision. PunBB looks nice, and so does SMF.

But, in my opinion, phpbb is the leader of the forums. You just need a good skin and some mods, and you're good to go :) Try integramod, a prepackaged phpbb forum with a lots of mods!

[xequence]

phpbb is ugly without a skin IMHO... but vBullietin rocks... but it's not free. and neither is invision. PunBB looks nice, and so does SMF.

But, in my opinion, phpbb is the leader of the forums. You just need a good skin and some mods, and you're good to go :) Try integramod, a prepackaged phpbb forum with a lots of mods!

Ill look into that =)

How easy is it to switch forums? Like... Punbb - phpbb, etc.

[m0biu5]

PunBB has a converter if you already have a phpBB forum. There are also converters on the phpBB downloads page. Check 'em out.

[xequence]

Ok =D

Now, all I need to do is finally start up the site. Ill need to get my parents to get a new credit card to pay for it online... Since paypal is stupid.

[Rackerz]

Also on the free hosting bit, i do free hosting but don't want to advertise, people may not appreciate it. If you buy a domain i can give you hosting that will you use it, no yourname.myname.com. I can also provide you with cheap paid hosting if you wish. Just letting you know ;).

[imagine]

http://phorum.org/
Powerful, yet lightweight and simple. A complete phorum is as heavy as a single vBulletin thread ; )

And it's free.

[WildTangent]

I'm thinking of getting into the free hosting service. I just need some software to facilitate the making of accounts and user-administration over the internet. Any suggestions?

-Wild

[peterbrowne]

i run SMF on all my forum sites (smartForum.ca, mlug.kayfisher.ca, deals4you.ca)

[Ride Jib]

I'm on a forum with about 10k users. We just switched from vBulletin (older version) to SMF, and I would say most of the users dislike it very much. It's just an overall inferior piece of software.

[WildTangent]

I just installed PunBB on my server. Besides the trouble I had installing PHP and MySQL, it was very easy. However, I don't like the lack of Polls and Personal Messaging, these must be added seperately, and doing so is difficult. All in all, a great piece of software.

http://longlivemarneus.serveftp.net/forums/

-Wild

[m0biu5]

Since those features are not required on everyboard, then it makes sense that you should have to add them. What difficulty did you have while adding them?

[Rackerz]

I'm thinking of getting into the free hosting service. I just need some software to facilitate the making of accounts and user-administration over the internet. Any suggestions?

-Wild

Well from a mid-long free hosting provider I'd suggest against automatic account making. It encourages warez and abuse of the service (IRC bots, etc.) Then again it does have its upsides.

[Enter]

SMF all the way check my forum out http://www.fantasylabs.net/forum/ *yes the theme is not finished and yes the forum is a bit childish :D*
i look at SMF like i look at Linux and i find them very similar
Easy to use
secure
free :D
fully customizeble

About phpBB i dislike it its highly insecure in the forum doesnt have any upload scripts, you know why? i know why cus its more secure that way :lol: the crackers will have harder time getting shell :D

[xequence]

SMF all the way check my forum out http://www.fantasylabs.net/forum/ *yes the theme is not finished and yes the forum is a bit childish :D*
i look at SMF like i look at Linux and i find them very similar
Easy to use
secure
free :D
fully customizeble

About phpBB i dislike it its highly insecure in the forum doesnt have any upload scripts, you know why? i know why cus its more secure that way :lol: the crackers will have harder time getting shell :D


Thats a nice forum theme :P

[Enter]

thank you it took me 3 hours to make the header work properly in IE :lol:

[briancurtin]

the best forum software is that which is written by hand, none of this phpBB stuff that you see everywhere. i used to post for over 3 years on a great site that was done all by hand from scratch, www.pahardcore.com (not hardcore porn, hardcore music). there is over 100,000 people registered and it is coded to handle i want to say 10.000 people being logged in if i remember correctly from what the creator said at one point. it doesnt see 10,000 concurrent posters, but it handles everything very smoothly and has a ton of nice features. its a very good site

[xequence]

the best forum software is that which is written by hand, none of this phpBB stuff that you see everywhere. i used to post for over 3 years on a great site that was done all by hand from scratch, www.pahardcore.com (not hardcore porn, hardcore music). there is over 100,000 people registered and it is coded to handle i want to say 10.000 people being logged in if i remember correctly from what the creator said at one point. it doesnt see 10,000 concurrent posters, but it handles everything very smoothly and has a ton of nice features. its a very good site

But I have no idea how to create my own, or should I say I dont have the php skills :P

[pieboy314]

I have tried repeatedly to install phpBB2 on my fresh Ubuntu setup, with Apache2 and php successfully installed...however, I repeatedly get this error,

"The PHP configuration on your server doesn't support the database type that you chose"

with both mysql options that are given in the setup options. ???

[majikstreet]

you probably need to install mysql and the php mysql thing.

[pieboy314]

you probably need to install mysql and the php mysql thing.

I installed mysql, like so:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server
mysqladmin -u root password db_user_password

I am not sure about the "php mysql" thing however...
and advice/documentation you can point me at? thanks!

*** found another thread under php/mysql that helped alot, thanks! **

[WildTangent]

I installed mysql, like so:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server
mysqladmin -u root password db_user_password

I am not sure about the "php mysql" thing however...
and advice/documentation you can point me at? thanks!

*** found another thread under php/mysql that helped alot, thanks! **
You need to get mysql and apache communicating with each other. Myself, I had quite some difficulty doing this. Read the readme's :P

-Wild

[sapo]

I installed mysql, like so:

sudo apt-get install mysql-server
mysqladmin -u root password db_user_password

I am not sure about the "php mysql" thing however...
and advice/documentation you can point me at? thanks!

*** found another thread under php/mysql that helped alot, thanks! **
Here is what you need, just follow the wiki link ;)

http://yacoding.blogspot.com/2005/12/installing-php4-mysql-apache.html

[awakatanka]

I like xoops its build with modules you can easly install and uninstall. Its gpl.


What XOOPS stands for
XOOPS is an acronym of eXtensible Object Oriented Portal System. Though started as a portal system, XOOPS is in fact striving steadily on the track of Content Management System. It can serve as a web framework for use by small, medium and large sites.

A lite XOOPS can be used as a personal weblog or journal. For this purpose, you can do a standard install, and use its News module only. For a medium site, you can use modules like News, Forum, Download, Web Links etc to form a community to interact with your members and visitors. For a large site as an enterprise one, you can develop your own modules such as eShop, and use XOOP's uniform user management system to seamlessly integrate your modules with the whole system.
http://www.xoops.org/modules/wfchannel/

[Koobi]

i'd say Lussumo Vanilla (http://getvanilla.com/)

it's extremely scalable and very light

[Thirsteh]

I recommend phpBB for small/private forums and vBulletin for forums with intensive traffic. phpBB is -great- and does everything it needs to until you reach the 50,000 posts/day point where phpBB becomes fragile and slow. This is where you convert to vBulletin.

phpBB is free, vBulletin costs about $160 for an owned license that allows you to use the software indefinitely and upgrade with no costs for a year.

phpBB (http://www.phpbb.com)
vBulletin (http://www.vbulletin.com)

[aPello]

IMHO the best forum software is PunBB, Simplistic, doesnt execute 40 queries to display one page, IMO Best admin panel. http://www.punbb.org

[xequence]

i'd say Lussumo Vanilla (http://getvanilla.com/)

it's extremely scalable and very light

It looks cool. Very unconvential.

[WildTangent]

Just wanted to add something that I coded into PunBB myself, Xfire account name in profiles :D

It involved quite a bit of code hacking on my part, and database modification. Most of it pure guesswork and trial and error. Ill post a howto if anyones interested.

EDIT: Added the howto anyway, enjoy!

[PuleX]

PunBB (http://www.punbb.org/), it's open source, fast and generates vaild XHTML. Best forum software out there in my opinion.
Another vote for PunBB here.
It's fast, and the developer really releases early and often...

[WildTangent]

I guess you could call this an official release now, I've submitted it to a PunBB mods site. It's also currently version 1.1, it now has a PHP install script for the database changes :) Makes it that much easier.

PunBB Xfire Profile Extension Mod (http://www.punres.org/desc.php?pid=170)

-Wild