Free forum software > SMF ?

[Sparky1234]

I recently installed the SMF forums on a new website of mine. I have been a vbulletin user for a while, and although I am a big fan – I thought I would try one of the free packages before I paid £90 or so for a second vbulletin licence.

I am very pleased with the SMF forum now, it was very easy to install, I managed to setup various categories, boards and member groups with relative ease. It seems quite easy to navigate and use, there are a good selection of themes available and the whole properly formatted output is great.

Now, onto the question. I am about to start another website, for which I shall be setting up yet another forum. Now, should I just go ahead and use the SMF forums again, or is it worth checking out any of the other free packages – punBB, phpBB, myBB or anything similar? As much as I like SMF, I am very much open to suggestions. I am expecting a relatively respectable number of members, so I really want to make sure I make a well informed choice and get it right first time.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[celliott]

PhpBB is probably the most widley used free bulletin board, put personally I would stay away from it. Because it has such a large user base, expoits are found very often so you really do have to keep it patched upto the latest version all the time or you will be faced with some major problems.

I have had a server rooted through a PhpBB exploit and the most common problem with outdated versions is that they really chomp up CPU on the server.

PunBB is a great little script and can easily be integrated into a site design, it's not as complex as SMF though so wont have as many features.

Chris

 

[V4NT0M]

For free, SMF is basically the best at the moment, I used to be a huge fan of the invision boards, but they don't do those free anymore

 

[blade007]

PunBB is a doddle to integrate ... but I find that it's not suitable for a forum with more than 50 users ... it's too simplistic and the advanced features for running a real forum are not there.

SMF seems to be the one if you don't have a budget.

 

[Hxc]

I always find SMF really, really ugly, which pushes me away from it again and again. phpBB3 is quite nice, yet still in beta stages.

Can't beat paying for either IPB or vB though

 

[WotDa]

I always find SMF really, really ugly, which pushes me away from it again and again.

Yup, SMF is good, but fugly!

Ugh, I should stop messing around on Counter-strike and do my own theme or something.