I'm gonna host a forum for a small community but which forum should I use? I'm thinking about http://www.phpbb.com/ Will there be any advertisements if I install it on my domain? What are the disadvantages of that forum and can you recommend any other forums?
Thanks for the replies.

I'm gonna host a forum for a small community but which forum should I use? I'm thinking about http://www.phpbb.com/ Will there be any advertisements if I install it on my domain? What are the disadvantages of that forum and can you recommend any other forums?
Thanks for the replies.
No, phpbb doesn't come with any advertisements built in. Having used both phpbb and SMF, I like SMF (simplemachines.org) more. It's admin/mod system seems a bit odd to me, but it's very easy to upgrade the software, integrate with your website, and make themes for.

There's really hundreds of other choices out there. Just search around, try out some online demos, and see what's right for you.

PhpBB will do fine for a community site; it does not have any advertisements in it. There are some other open-source forum software packages around but also payed solutions. I suggest you just try out some of them to see what fits your needs best; and is easy to use for yourself.

I prefer SMF, although phpBB does seem pretty decent.

And no, there are no adverts built into either software.

A good comparison tool is [ur=www.forummatrix.org]ForumMatrix[/url]. There are more than those two forum systems out there. Some are payware, but not proprietary (such as Invision Power Board and vBulletin) and some are freeware, such as phpBB and SMF.

If you go with a free web host, then they will likely superimpose adverts on your website. If you pay for your hosting, that won't happen.

SMF is probably the most used forum but i prefer Vbulletin. it looks very professional and catchy.

Surely Vbulletin is one of the best software as it comes with 100's of features and modification available.

Although if you want to go for a bit cheap you can prefer IPB, it also comes with a hell lot of mods + very very nice skins.

Or if you prefer free then go for phpbb3 as its the most used free forum package with best features.

phpbb has very good community support.

phpBB is a great script if your not looking to pay, We host a few very large communitys some of which still opt for phpBB over paid scripts.

I think I'm the only one who can't stand vBulletin ;)

It doesn't matter too much though; just look at the features and pick the one you prefer the most :)

SMF is good and they have 1000s of themes.
PHPBB is however the most wdely used forum software in the world

I think I'm the only one who can't stand vBulletin ;)

You can count me too :)

I found some nice styles for phpbb and I decided to choose one of them. Thanks everyone for the replies.

You can count me too :)

I found some nice styles for phpbb and I decided to choose one of them. Thanks everyone for the replies.

Congratulations, just make sure to stay on top of the security patches and so forth.

Personally I prefer SMF or MyBB.

just make sure to stay on top of the security patches and so forth.



which forum software is easiest to keep patched and updated?

which forum software is easiest to keep patched and updated?
I think they're all exactly the same process? :) As in, upload the files, run the upgrade file and it's done?

MYBB is my preferred free forum software. I would definably check into it.

I think they're all exactly the same process? :) As in, upload the files, run the upgrade file and it's done?

figure out an update is needed. determine what files you need. get those files. upload those files. run the upgrade.


I have not looked at SMF in a while, but I thought update reminders showed in the control panel, and it had an update link in the control panel.

figure out an update is needed. determine what files you need. get those files. upload those files. run the upgrade.


I have not looked at SMF in a while, but I thought update reminders showed in the control panel, and it had an update link in the control panel.
Ah yes, I know what you mean now :)

Yes, SMF allows you to upgrade for the minor versions via the package manager (and there are reminders in the admin panel).

I think that other forum softwares have reminders in the control panels, but am not sure how many allow you to upgrade with a few clicks.

Of course, the SMF method to upgrade via the package manager is only for minor upgrades (i.e. 1.1.8 -> 1.1.9, etc), but it's pretty handy for sure.

making security patches easy was my main concern. optional updates can usually be put off till it's convenient.

figure out an update is needed. determine what files you need. get those files. upload those files. run the upgrade.


I have not looked at SMF in a while, but I thought update reminders showed in the control panel, and it had an update link in the control panel.
SMF's upgrade process is completely smooth for me ;). You can enter FTP details of your site to have it automatically download and install the update directly to your website. I completed an upgrade in less than 2 minutes.

phpBB on the other hand, does have an automatic upgrader, but it requires you to first download and then upload the updater. Even then, I've never once had it successfully update my files... I always end up having to do a manual update, which can talke half an hour +.

phpBB is a good choice for free bulletin board solutions that doesn't have advertisements. For more advanced solutions, you can purchase software like Invision Power Boards or vBulletin. phpBB is decents, but lacks some features and graphical interfaces.

which forum software is easiest to keep patched and updated?

I only have experience with SMF and MyBB. My vote would go for SMF.