Opinions on message boards

Which way would be better

[WallaceCleaver]

I would like to add a message board to my site and I'm not sure which one I should choose. My web host provided me with PHPBB, but as it would be installed in my web directory I am concerned that it would take a lot of space and resources over time.

My second option is EZBoard. It is hosted off site, so I wouldn't have to worry about bandwidth issues. My visitors, however, would have to leave my site to post on the baord which doesn't thrill me.

I would appreciate any opinions from people with experience with either message board that I mentioned.

[kodaks]

I would advise PHPBB, because it is way more customisable than ezBoard. Also, ezboard experiences quite a lot of downtime.

[RoadRash]

phpbb, for the fact that you own the messages and can change the software for your needs. bandwidth shoudlnt be a problem, and if it is, congrats, your successful! :)

[vkaryl]

phpBB.... you can set the software to compress the database to save space etc.; it's quite customizable with "hacks"; while "official support" is limited, there is a HUGE base of user help and information....

I've been using phpBB in one version or another for 5-6 years. It's a really great package. Check the forums at phpBB.com before you decide - you'll see a lot of new users there with a lot of help and answers for them (you will also of course see some snideness - goes with the territory). The only caveat would be the "host-provided" situation: if I remember right, that type of install is NOT supported by the home site. It's easy enough though to download the latest distro and install yourself.... which is what I do.

[kpaul]

i'll be the fourth to say go with phpBB ;)

it is solid software, is updated for security and has a strong community behind it. i'm running it on a heavy duty site with no problems...

-kpaul

[Noisehag]

I am next in line to endorse phpBB. You have the masses in open source development keeping it up-to-date and secure. If anything bad happens, you can bet your bottom dollar that there will be many, many talented people working to resolve the problem asap with unending passion. After all, these people do it for the love of it and not the cash.

[RenFromPenn]

Ok, I'm sold on phpBB. :-) The problem that I had when I tried to installed my web hosts version is that I couldn't figure out how to get to the admin page. It had me create a username and password when I installed it, but then it kept telling me that my username and password were invalid.

I think that I'll try installing it myself. Is it very hard to do? I have quite a bit of experience with cgi, but I am new to php having only dealt with it a few times now.

[vkaryl]

Not difficult. Just be sure you have your db already installed, and NO TABLES IN IT! In other words, if you tried the host provided one, use your cpanel to delete the tables in the db that are there now.

If you have questions, you can sticky me if you like. I'll be home about 6 hours from now....