Need some ideas

[W-M]

I want to start a forum that will attract alot of members. I want it just to be a community for talking. I need some free forum software (not phpbb). What software can I get for free that works like vBulletin? I have made a lot of phpbb forums just to play with so I know how to run a forum. Any ideas how to start?

 

[DJ-Sound]

search for some articles, also its a good idea to stay far away from phpbb, I put alot of work into a forum just to see it hacked and completely wiped out

 

[peter phillips]

I think SMF would be the ideal free forum software for you http://www.simplemachines.org/
It includes subforums, attachments, karma system
Has good mod system. You can download mods and then install them with a single click without editing any files.
Better template system, allows you to have more control and toggle features on and off.
Minimal or no security flaws.

The best feature of SMF is that it is XHTML and CSS validated.

 

[W-M]

Yea I have used phpbb,SMF,Ipb,vBulletin and a few more. Has anyone used mybb how is it?

 

[matrics]

If you don't have $$$ to spend, get Invision Power Board 1.3 - this one's still free.
If you can afford to spend 100 or 180 (I think, not sure) bucks, get vBulletin - it's the best.

Another free alternative would be SMF. I don't recommend PHPbb or YaBB.