I've been dabbling with the idea of putting a forum on my new site, as a meeting place for people involved in the site and a place to hang out and discuss and support each other. I really don't have the cash to throw at a VBulletin license (or time to track down a good used one) but I worry that not all free forum software is as customizable and has annoying ads. Feedback?
If you go with a free alternative, try to choose one that isn't a major security sieve. phpBB is a very popular free program, but you'll have to constantly keep updating it as new releases come out - otherwise, you run the risk of your forum being hacked. Script kiddies seem to gravitate toward that app.
__________________ ☷ Lesli Schauf, TLM Network
☴ Linux and Windows Shared Hosting since 2002: Scribehost
Free software is just as good as the paid one, and some are even a bit better. I don't know what you mean by "annoying ads" unless your talking about a free forum host then that isn't an issue
I have had a good amount of luck with SMF forums, though they take a little getting used to when you are used to the likes of IPB and VB. Ultimately though you won't be losing anything. It's not like you are putting out a huge amount of cash for something you can't use.
So pick one, give it a try and if you don't like it then try something else.
I dont think I could have said it any better Lesli. I see many people get phpbb only for the reason that its out there all about, but then end up wondering why it gets hacked so much.
If you use a "free forum" service, ads will probably be put by the provider, but if you install a free software on your own paid hosting account, there won't be any ads, except the link to the developer's website, which is only fair.
I agree with Blue. I personally think SMF is the way to go. vBulletin is costly and doesn't offer a whole lot more than SMF. Why pay for something when you know something for free is just as good. If you find out it isn't what you need then you haven't lost out on anything.
A paid forum will normally have the advantage of support, but feature wise and speed wise, free forums are just as good or better from experience. I love bbPress (bbPress.org).
I find most ads annoying. one of my favorite free forums always had those "shoot the zombie/smack the fly" ads that made noise. At 3am they can really scare the pants off you.
I don't have much experience with SMF but I guess I will add them to my list to check into along with phpbb.
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