Setting up a forum based website

ravenfire_2

phpBB is a great free forum, however, make sure you make it as secure as possible by removing any install files. I know a lot of people with phpBB boards that have been hacked recently.

MyBigToe_2

i thought the code checked for install files before displaying anything, and if its there, it would tell you to delete them

Lord_Chris

Unless you've made a website before, and are comfortable with HTML i wouldnt recommend bothering with this idea.

Just setting up a forum isn't difficult, but it does involve a fair amount of work. Frankly, you'd be better off fidning a forum which already offers what your after.

Flexible_Friend

Some install scripts will delete your install files from the server on successful completion of the installation but it's always best and safer to check. Do not leave them on the server. The individual websites for the software will give guidelines as to which files should be deleted. You can delete them through your FTP tool or ask your web host to delete them.

PhpBB, Coppermine and Dragonfly do not need any direct HTML/PHP knowledge but it is useful to have some technical knowledge if things go wrong. However, they all have very good support forums.

The software is quick and easy to install using the scripts provided through Fantasico/cPanel. The time consuming bit is configurating your site through the various Admin panels/menus but it's fairly straightforward.