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Thread ID: 111371 2010-07-24 02:03:00 Free Forum Software - Recommendations johcar (6283) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1121899 2010-07-24 02:03:00 Can anyone recommend a free hosted forum or free forum software package?

Our cycling group is currently using ForumCircle (for the last 4 years or so), but, of late, the up-time seems to be taking a hammering. I know I can't really complain for the price (it's free), but our Forum is a core part of the group and the expectation is that it is available when WE want it to be available...

So what we're looking for is one of two things: a reliable forum host (free) or a free software package that I could get installed on our webserver (preferably Windows-compatible rather than Linux-based as my PHP skills are non-existent - unless I get another hosting subscription and upskill!).

Whichever solution selected, it would need to have reasonably sophisticated Admin functions...

(My preference would be for something provided and already hosted, so I wouldn't have to spend too much time on the technical admin)

EDIT: Another functional requirement is "Broadcast Email"...
johcar (6283)
1121900 2010-07-24 02:13:00 Your hosting company may supply one that can be installed with a single click in the control panel. Metla (12)
1121901 2010-07-24 02:18:00 You can’t go wrong with phpBB http://www.phpbb.com/ (And its free!)

If you need any help with it, I am more then happy to help.
stu161204 (123)
1121902 2010-07-24 02:34:00 PunBB too. Cato (6936)
1121903 2010-07-24 03:00:00 Good thinking Metla - I will check... johcar (6283)
1121904 2010-07-24 03:00:00 Thanks Stu - will keep you in mind... johcar (6283)
1121905 2010-07-24 08:33:00 +1 for phpBB.

Easy. Rock solid. No real PHP knowledge needed.
ubergeek85 (131)
1121906 2010-07-24 08:49:00 How about MyBB? pcuser42 (130)
1121907 2010-07-24 11:14:00 MyBB is pretty decent, as is phpBB, both are very easy to create templates for as well. Well not to a beginner but if you understand colour codes changin the colours etc is easy.

Im currently playin with another one Ive found called Simple Machines (link is to a test install I did) (http://www.joomla.lemusart.co.nz/)

Haven't done much with it yet but it seems pretty powerful.

If you want it hosted send me a PM, can also setup an install of anything you want to try and give you an account to play with.

Plenty of free ones out there though
hueybot3000 (3646)
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