Forum Software

[Giblet]

Im looking at software for a forum for our web site at work and wondered the opinion of this software. I looked at the link and it seems very reasonably priced. Is it easy to use and set up at back end? I guess the killer quesion is "if you knew then what you know now, would you still have used this company and software?"

Any insight much appreciated.

[TigerFish]

I use the previous version of this software for my forum (and have the current version in test). I've no experience with any of the other main ones so can't give a comparison. Actual running of the software is pretty easy, although there is a lot to it. Only time things can get complciated is if you employ modifications on the forums. Not such a big deal with the current version but some of the ones I have on mine aren't compatible (or upgradeable) which is the main reason I haven't made the switch over to this version. If you want to get fancy then you can change virtually any part of the forum if you are into php programming. As far as appearance of the forum goes, it will "fly" straight out of the box. If you want to add headers (like the bits with prolex-uk and WIM and the links under them ^^^^ Above), then you need to start digging under the skin a bit further. I would thoroughly recommend the software, but as I say, I can't give a comparison from a technical perspective. From a user perspective, I also prefer this software to the other brands.

[yemgi]

Depends on your criterias:

Free:

PunBB is the prefered option, light, easy to modifiy and integrate, SMF is a good option aswell but I never tried it or potentially phpBB3 but still in RC (stay away from phpBB2)

With license:

IP.Board as here, very user friendly and the other products from Invision are very good aswell or Vbulletin but it has not evolved for nearly 2 years now.

One thing to take in account aswell is the server performances depending on the number of visitors / posts you have, IPB and VB can become resource hungry.

[Steve]

I love IPB thats why i use it.. tried a few in the past such as phpbb and xmb

one tip.. always keep security patches up to date.

[Giblet]

thanks for all your comments