Wanted: Forum Software Recommendations

[WhiteWebServices]

I've been asked to set up a forum for a group I belong to. Haven't done this before; what software would you recommend?

 

[CrazyTech]

Hands down vB - it's well worth the cost. It has really been the reason I've been able to carry on through abuse issues and I really have nothing but praise for it. It's much easier to mod than the alternatives out there as well. The community behind it is huge and lots of help and resources are available as well.

If you cannot go paid, both SMF and MyBB offer solid free software.

 

[-Rasmus-]

vBulletin is probably the best one but unfortunately it's not free. If you're looking for a free forum software then I'd recommend phpBB. And punBB is also a nice and light forum software.

You can check them and other forum software out at OpenSourceCMS.

 

[RageD]

If you're looking for free, check out the new phpBB3 http://phpbb.com seems pretty nice and feature rich for a free forum software (It's under the development section)

-RageD

 

[labrocca]

I second mybb.

http://www.mybboard.net

 

[WhiteWebServices]

Thanks for the suggestions; I'll take a look.

 

[Host47]

theres also smf by simplemachines...if you need any help pm me...

 

[MikeBigg]

I haven't used it live, yet, but I am quite taken by FUD Forum: http://fudforum.org/features.php .

If you are going for free, I would say this beats phpBB hands down.

Mike

 

[netzilla]

Free choice: PHPBB

Pay choice: VB

 

[LeetPCUser]

It honestly depends on what you have for funds. One not really mentioned that is worth a shot is SMF. It is free and more powerful than PHPBB. The only problem is there aren't many good skins. However, you could get a custom skin and still be under the VBulletin costs.

 

[StudioWorks]

vBulletin or InvisionBoard - if you are looking for commercial software.. then.. these are the only two good alternatives.

All the best,
SW

 

[RageD]

I had already stated a free choice however I would say your best choice would be IPB (Invision Power Board) 2.x (whatever their latest is) You can find it at http://invisionboard.com. A little more pricey than vB now I think but it's good.

-RageD

 

[bluearrow]

if you are going to buy then vBulletin is the best no boubt but if u are looking for a free one the check SMF or PHPBB. PHPBB have nice skins but there has been lot of hacking problems with it so i prefer SMF.

 

[vinod_41]

phpbb forums

easy to manage and modifications are easily available

 

[ishan]

SMF . Just too cool - SMF 1.1 is out

 

[Ultimatum]

I recomend you buy licience vBulletin. I think that is the best software. I don't recomend you phpBB because forums with phpBB software always full of spam.

 

[NwS]

IMO vBulletin is the same like all the others.. Go with phpBB. And if you know how to protect yourself from spam and are able to make 1-2 settings you'll be fine..

 

[cerebus]

Vbulletin for sure, like the rest said. Full of features, good support, lots of free skins and customization communities. Also really good if you'll desire custom modifications later. Hooking system pretty much eliminates the need for source code editing so you can upgrade free and the updates comes with good manual patching instructions if you did need code changes.

For free alternatives I never did like phpbb, but then didn't look into it lately. It's history is filled with examples of bad security and truely inefficient coding. Simple machines forums seems to be the best choice at the moment, good community and featurerich. If you desire speed and easy customization rather than features and community there's a good alternative called PunBB. I miss the days when Invision power board was free, back then it was by far the best choice in the category.

 

[Camron]

vBulletin all the way. It's the most professional, secure, and feature filled forum software I have ever used.

 

[labrocca]

Vbulletin for sure, like the rest said. Full of features, good support, lots of free skins and customization communities. Also really good if you'll desire custom modifications later. Hooking system pretty much eliminates the need for source code editing so you can upgrade free and the updates comes with good manual patching instructions if you did need code changes.

For free alternatives I never did like phpbb, but then didn't look into it lately. It's history is filled with examples of bad security and truely inefficient coding. Simple machines forums seems to be the best choice at the moment, good community and featurerich. If you desire speed and easy customization rather than features and community there's a good alternative called PunBB. I miss the days when Invision power board was free, back then it was by far the best choice in the category.

Take a good look at the mybb project...you will be pleasantly suprised at it's advancements. http://www.mybboard.net