A Very Simply Forum

Harry_Flashman

I have a domain name already - just not sure how to use it.

S0litaire

Who did you register the domain name with?

They usually give you a small Webspace to set up a site.

I've got free hosting with GoDaddy and 1&1, it's simple but it works for me! as i'm usually just playing about with sites and getting used to administering some of the apps.

Harry_Flashman

I got mine from a freebie I saw on here. The name is freeola - I've not done anything with it yet, but it says I can make my own front page with picutres and a blog, etc.

But the main reason for the site existing would be as a comms forum for the group members and staff.

S0litaire

Ok looks like you can host a phpBB Forum, but if you are using their Free site you need to get an additional "MySQL database" package. (not sure of the cost) About all forums/websites need a database (in this case MySQL) behind it to store everything.

freeola wrote:

phpBB is database driven so a MySQL database is essential for this service to run, perfect if you have Unlimited VIP Hosting and a MySQL database.

Alternatively you may be using our Free Hosting service, for this type of hosting you will need our Freedom MySQL service. You can find information regarding this service from the Optional MySQL Database page in your MyFreeola account.

How to set up phpBB on their site manually:
http://freeola.com/support/webspace-phpbb3.html

other guides:
http://freeola.com/support/category/web-space-ftp-guides.html

vale46_2

free boards at

jcink.com

if you want a forum thats like the type MSE is
you can just have a forum set up the board to have sections for members /guests / staff etc you dont have to have a shoutbox
its has small add support you get 500mb of space.
if you try a free board get (two) one to use as your main forum
and one to try new setting / mods before you use them on your main forum avoiding mistakes
you can have various skins.mods . try one to see how you feel about doing it. setting it up / mods to it etc

example
http://3sports.b1.jcink.com/

or is a blog type suitable there's many free of those

richard734

When it comes to hosting, you get what you pay for.
I have a specialist interest site, get maybe 50-75 visits a week (which is what I am expecting) so a cheep hosting deal makes sense to me - limited traffic, small pages, I can not justify £100-£200 a year.
I have had no problem with response times or availability (Google Analytics confirms:)) - I got mine on £2 for 2 years deal from Ebay.
Back to your original requirements, Yes, I think the ebay deal you posted looks OK for what you need. Check with them to see if they offer setup support and forum software as part of the free software package. I know my host does, I used Barracuda, but I dont want to be accused of breaking forum rules, so that is a statement of fact rather than a recomendation!!