Looking for Free Forum

[b4u]

Hi,

I'm looking to create an online forum, and would like to know what options are available today.

I'm creating a forum for a group of people with common interests. I would like to be able to customize the looks, and I would like people to be able to register as any regular forum would allow it to.

Then I would have permissions for certain areas, so that only registered people would be able to post messages on the forum, or even limit access to specific areas to registered users, or even some specific users.

It would be great if I could put some adds on it, so they can pay a domain name for a forum.

If possible, I would like not to maintain a server on my own, to avoid administration and security altogether.

What would be the best options around?

 

[NiKeFiDO]

http://www.phpbb.com/ - php based, very popular, good support and templates availiable (and you can create your own)

it's open source

 

[Crusty]

Be sure to keep whichever software you choose as up to date as possible. Most of these free forum packages get targeted for exploits because they are so popular, but as long as you keep it up to date you should have no problems.

 

[ohxten]

I found FluxBB a few days ago when it forked from PunBB (which went commercial). It's extremely fast and lightweight. Much like Fluxbox, actually.

 

[Train]

Use what's easiest to integrate with the rest of your site

If your site is in PHP, use phpbb

If your site is in .Net, use YAF (www.YetAnotherForum.net)

Both are free and open source.