Best Free Message Board Software?

Which one has decent functions and top notch security?

[Mr_N]

So I'm hunting down free message board software, but am not sure which package to go with. It seems that phpBB is front and center in terms of popularity among the free BBS out there, but I've been hearing a lot about security issues with that software. Is phpBB still a prime target among hackers? Has the developers finally cleaned up the security issues? I heard that for a time some web hosts were outright banning the use of pbpBB on there servers. Is this still happening?

Anyway, if phpBB is still a risky message board to go with, are there any good options for free boards out there right now?

[rogerd]

phpBB is the most widely used free package, and has quite a few supporters here. It has had some security issues, but just about all of the complaints about getting hacked were from people whose boards weren't updated in a timely manner.

The one problem with frequent updates is that, depending on what changes, any modifications to the board may need to be reinstalled. Still, it's a popular and powerful package.

[TheRookie]

There are plenty of options if you don't want it hosted on your own domain.

For remotely hosted boards, go with Proboards.

[AjiNIMC]

I will vote for phpbb forums, keep it updated always.

[spaceylacie]

My vote also goes to phpbb. They put a notice, that's not hard to miss, in your admin panel when an update is available.

[RonPK]

Another reason you may want to consider phpBB is that in the current 2.0 series, no new features are being introduced. All updates only contain bug fixes and security improvements. New features may contain new security holes. Development of new features happens in a different branche.

Disclaimer: that is what I read on the phpBB web site.

[webstyling]

I also vote for phpbb. It's great for beginners.

[lecter]

So, what for the advanced?

[Leosghost]

[bestbbs.com...]

but I don't think it will be free ...

[Aircut]

BestBBS....lol....
Coming soon for 4 years now

[anshul]

I didn't liked phpBB2 much, especially its 'post' editor. vBulletin is my choice: sadly it's not free.

Important thing I wanted to say, why phpBB2 people can't make it beat vBulletin!

You people know, PHP Nuke is a great portal for only USD 10.0 ..

vBulletin?

[rogerd]

>>why phpBB2 people can't make it beat vBulletin

I'd be the first to admit that sometimes open source software is better than commercial, but it's hard to beat a full-time, paid development team that has a clear vision and good leadership.

What's surprising is how often open source software turns out very well despite not having that kind of paid team. When the open source system works, it's a real tribute to the power of community.

[lcampers]

how "beginner" friendly is phbb?

i want to make one too, but i'm a content based kind of person. i use dreamweaver, a dell computer, and ftp. that's about all i know.

do you think i can handle setting one up?

i would need to upgrade on my hosting service too, i think, in order to have sql access (and jeez... how much sql do i need to know - i'm scared by the very letters!)

thanks!

[anshul]

Hi lcampers,

Installation of phpBB2 is fairly see. They explain all that in their Web site. Just choose a ISP that can provide you PHP and MySQL and upload/install your files.

If you've PHP/MySQL locally, it's better to first install it local, then upload live and export/import sql db. Well, infact, you see a script phpMyAdmin also to do that easily. ISP provide that usually.

If you're ambitious and you can afford, go for vBulletin.

Regards,

Can someone please explain to us in full detail about Google AdWords?

[lcampers]

thanks anshul

vbulletin certainly looks like it would be easier to deal with... it's not that expensive either

do you think vbulletin wins over phbb hands down?

what does this forum use? seems like it's homemade?

[anshul]

Ya, this forum is a home-built, it's written by senior CGI programmers, in lots of CGI/PERL, perhaps to handle all the traffic loads easily.

However, PHP vBulletin is definitely and beyond doubt, a great example, what PHP can do!

If you afford it, get it, without hesistation. They're also demoing it free on their Web site. Why not try the demo of the product, before you purchase it!

Yes, you can write your own PHP forums; better you need a great team, and a great time. And expense in internet, other costs, etc.

Regards,

[lcampers]

yes, thanks again!

-lan