Member Avatar for maui_mallard

Hey,

I use Microsoft frontapge and I would like to make my own forum.....how would I do that???

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jbennet

Dani AI

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Two routes: use a hosted forum service (fast, low maintenance, limited control) or run forum software on a server you control (full control, requires sysadmin work). Starting from a visual/site‑builder tool like the one mentioned in the first post will not give you a proper dynamic forum out of the box; forum features need server‑side code, a database, and ongoing maintenance.

Choose a platform by these criteria: active security updates, plugin/theme ecosystem, migration path, moderation tools, and licensing. Pick hosting that matches the platform (Linux vs Windows, required language/runtime, database). For local testing and safe upgrades, use an isolated dev environment such as containers or a local stack so you can try custom themes and extensions before going live.

Operational items people often miss: enforce HTTPS, schedule automated backups (files + database), keep software and plugins patched, configure spam protection and rate limits, set clear moderator roles, and test account recovery and email delivery. Watch for common install pitfalls: file permissions, missing server extensions, PHP/runtime mismatches, URL rewrite requirements for pretty links, and cron/scheduled tasks for maintenance jobs.

Quick checklist to move forward:

  • Decide hosted vs self‑hosted based on control and budget.
  • Evaluate platforms for security, community, and extensions.
  • Create a local/dev environment (containers or local stack).
  • Test theme and plugin compatibility; plan a backup and upgrade path.
  • Configure HTTPS, spam protection, and automated backups before opening registration.
  • Document moderation policy and admin procedures.

As warned, WYSIWYG builders have limits. See the replies from , , and for community suggestions on specific packages and installation tips.

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Member Avatar for jbennet

i belive there is a wizard. Its called a discussion board in frontpage. Word of warning though, no proper forums are made in Frontpage and you cannot host a frontpage page on a cheap (linux) webserver

Member Avatar for NBert

I would go with phpbb (http://phpbb.com) forums. They are free and there is a large community that can help you with customization to your liking.

If you want to go with a higher end forum program, you can buy a license for vbulletin (http://www.vbulletin.com/) which is what daniweb is running.

Member Avatar for Gmarvz

^
yeah, i agree.. i recommend phpbb forums. you can find lots of support websites and forums that can help you throughout the process

Member Avatar for maui_mallard

so all i got to do is download the software off of phpbb???

Member Avatar for NBert

so all i got to do is download the software off of phpbb???

You must have a web server to upload the software.

Read the installation guide that comes with the software download.

http://www.phpbb.com/downloads.php

Member Avatar for eXceed69

ei how bout simplemachine?did anyone used this?

Member Avatar for jbennet

Ive used both simplemachines and PhpBB. If you just want a server for development / playing about then download XAMPP from ApacheFriends. DO NOT USE IN A PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT. With this software you can get php/apache/mysql as well as a nice web interface to mange mysql databases up and running in a matter of minutes, and phpbb/simplemachines runs prettymuch out of the box on it.

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