phpBB is free forum software that is very good. You'll need a host that supports PHP and databases to install it. It's also very easy to configure, and there are thousands of themes all over the Internet to pick from.

You will know it works when your domain resolves, IE you can load it. :)

hello ,
I'm not a web designer.

I would recommend Vanilla from Lussumo, basically its like any other forum software however its much easier to use than say phpbb2, basically if you want to add any 'mods' all you have to do is drag the files into a folder and activate them from the admin cp and thats it! unlike in phpbb2 which would mean installing any extra features would mean getting your hands dirty, however i would seriously reccomend if you want to start an online community you have to get into the code of the forum and learn how it all works it can be so much fun as well and seriously im no php whizz kid and dont have a degree in computer laungages but I know php from messing around with the code inside phpbb2.

You will however need to have your own hosting for this, unless you can find a free hosted vanilla site.

I have gone to phpBB and read their setup requirements. I am hung up on the fact that I need an SQL database and PHP 4.3.3. I don't get what either of these things are. And I don't understand if they are things I need to download in addition to the phpBB software.

Please help, I am trying to understand and learn, but can't get past what seems to be the basic requirements.

Chek the terms of your hosting package. If it includes MySQL and PHP (serverside) scripting, then just create a database, upload the files to the server, and navigate to the install page.

If you are going to buy a hosting package then just check that they provide the fantastico feature. Thru, fantastico you can install your own forum, blogs and much more things.

If you really want to make it easy, use Ning. It is a free hosted service that makes starting a forum/social network very easy. Nothing to load or requirements to meet. There are premium services and the ability to customize the features, but for a starter forum and site, nothing is easier.

Hello all.

I need some advise and or help on starting up a forum. I know nothing about programming or wed design and don’t really want to have to learn much of it. I started searching and found tons of free forums and hosting sites. The more I found the more confused I was. Here’s what I would like to do. Start a forum for my archery club. Basic forum with several categories such as Target Shooting, club activities, and such. I purchased a Domain name already. What I would like is a copy of an existing forum or modifiable template that a dummy like me can handle. Of course free would be better than paying but if 50 bucks makes it that much easier I have no problem paying for what I will need. So in short I would like a forum that is pretty much ready to go and a place to host it. Are there host that supply forums?

Any and all help appreciated.

Thank you

We offer hosting and Fantastico which is an auto installer for scripts such as phbb and etc and will install the script to start the forum for free if you buy hosting from us. Check out our hosting plans all of them have this installer with them it basically creates mysql databases for you.

hello , I'm not a web designer.

if you don't know how to do things then its better to hire someone to create the forums for you, also hire a team to optimize it.

Hello
Did you ever get your forum up and running? Let me know....

hey.. this seems interesting...
wanted to know if someone could list a few good forums software ..

also lemme know the cost involved.
thanks in advance