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+--- Thread: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. (/showthread.php?tid=21553)
Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - loveshine - 10-31-2006
I looked at this comparison and it is all way above my head.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Internet_forum_software
I am just begining the design on my website and wanted to get a forum going to help shape the development process.
Is there a super easy way to start one and then build in features as I need them?
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - mattkime - 10-31-2006
Ick. That page is doing nothing to limit your choices.
I've had good luck playing with PhpBB
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - StingMe - 10-31-2006
I use phpBB - easy to set up and maintain...
Other recent discussions:
http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/187504/187537
http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/146883/146906
http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/114428/114653
http://forums.macresource.com/read/1/68386/68822
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - ArtP - 10-31-2006
If you pay monthly for web hosting, check your cpanel area. Many hosting providers provide Forum software for free. It is easy to install (installs itself in a few clicks). Many are using open source Software called Fantastico that makes it simple and easy.
My hosting company allows installs of something called SMF (Simple Machines Forum) directly from the cpanel. A few clicks and it was installed and ready to configure.
It works....
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - Markintosh - 10-31-2006
Setting up a simple PHPBB bulletin board and getting it going is really quite easy...depending on your host! You need to know if the host supports PHP and will allow you to install your own BB software, or if you're limited to what they pre-install.
PHPBB does get some frequent updates, which can be strenous to install. If you add other mods, it gets even more of a commitment to keep it secure through updates.
As an example, one of my current PHPBB boards is modded to include:
Color scheme
Modified banner
2 different security checks
Secret avatars
Mod installer
That means that every new release of PHPBB version may or may not work when I install it. At some point, I'm going to have to totally rebuild it as I'm now 4 version releases behind. So I'm currently getting spammer signups several times a day due to not running the patches...
So in a nutshell...it's easy to get started...but difficult to maintain. Very similar to raising children...
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - ArtP - 10-31-2006
Yeah, I am having a big problem with PHPBB and spam sign ups on one of my sites that I helped set-up, I want to trash the forum and start over with Simple Machines soon. I just need permission from the organization to do so. Forum has very little activity due to the spam.
Re: Could use some advise for setting up a simple web forum. - Baby Tats - 10-31-2006
ArtP-
You need to turn on captcha. Also disabling the website on registration feature will help. Here are some other ideas: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=57141