Forum/PHPBB Help

wirm

I want to set up a website with a forum on it. I was looking at phpbb but have a few questions.

1) Who should I get for hosting the forum? How do I know if I can use forum software with them?

2) Database - whats the differene between using access and mysql etc? How do I make the database that I will use?

If anyone who uses phpbb would let me know so I could ask them a few more questions

Thanks,

wirm

NellyLock

1.
I'm not sure whether there are dedicated phpbb hosts because this in my eyes would be a bit redundant. for phpbb to work you will need a host that offers php(most likely to be a linux based server) and also offer mysql accounts. if they offer these two services then its likely that you can install phpbb

2.the major difference is mysql is open source and free, when installing phpbb it will install and create the nesec db's for you and you to be honest should never have to fiddle around with the actual physical structure. admin tools lie in the front end which should allow manip with the db.

i dont have phpbb but have a host that allows '1 click installs' of it...if you want to see the admin side etc pm or mail me and ill set up a brand new board for you to play with for a couple of days.

neil

Ampalian

Good advice. Many hosts provide a one click free install of phpBB and it's very good. I've installed a few, some manually and some via the one click method.

There are a lot of modifications and enhancements for phpBB and there are a number of free "pre modded" versions around so look around. One you've installed a vanilla version you are bound to think one day "I wish it would....." Well whatever you wish it would there will be a modification for it. Mods can be interesting to install if you're into that kind of thing, it's just a case of following instructions to the letter. One tiny character out of place though and you'll "break" your site. It's good learning though.

Have a look at these links:

http://blaizers.com/forum/ This is one I created for my son. It's loaded with mods and it's specially adapted to be child friendly. In particular Private Messaging is disabled and routed to the adult administrators, me and his Mum.

http://www.phpbb.com/phpBB/ This is main phpBB forum.

http://www.phpbboptimization.com/ This is a source for a free phpBB that comes modified to be search engine friendly.

http://phpbbfm.net/phpBBFM/index_fm.php This is a pre modded free phpBB with loads of stuff built in that would otherwise take many hours.

A note of caution. It's not easy to get a forum off the ground. This one is rare and benefits from a good subject and a regular spot on Radio 2 !!!

Good idea to read here: http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=71

Have fun.

Malc

Tony_H_3

Hostplus Basic Hosting Account £19.99 / year is suitable to run php/cgi & mysql database based forums. Have a check down the list of provisions on this account & it will give you a better understanding of what's needed.

When setting up the forum PHPBB in your case it will take all of a few minutes to install & configure (in it's basic form - which will be useable). It will take considerably longer if you wish to customise the forum eg add skins & additional features.

When you've copied the PHPBB setup files to your new "Hostplus" server & run the install utility this automatically sets up the mysql database for you, it's that simple.

Finally, shop around for a hosting company whom you are happy with (price & features) I think you would be hard pushed to find better than Hostplus.

Regards
Tony

wirm

Thanks Everyone! Tony, do you know if that hosting site has a feature for changing the properties of files uploaded? ie. read/write etc?

Thanks

Tony_H_3

Yes, it does. You can also use FTP Clients. It's a unix based server on the basic account so you must ensure you use a sub domain for forums if you intend to use it in conjunction with Frontpage. As soon as you use either their control panel or a FTP Client you will trash the FPSE's.

But you strike me as being more a dreamweaver type person than FP so it shouldn't be to much bother for you.

wirm

Yup I'm a dreamweaver lover!

Thanks a lot! I might have more questions later!

wirm

Would Hostplus let me use an Access database for a forum?

zax_2

i went with surplass they are based in the states and with the $ to £ ratio their plan is super cheap has massive storage and bandwidth and its packed full of features. i am with them for almost a year now and answered any question i had imidiatly, both be4 and after i signed up

wirm

The fact that its in dollars puts me off straight away....

menace_2

Back to question 1.

You may want to look at Yabb (yet another Bulletin board)
http://www.yabbforum.com/

This is what Martins old forum used to run on and I have used it for 2 years, it works great (based on perl).