I want to install a small forum

fiveub · 22 Nov 2009 at 16:46

I am wanting a small forum, going to have about 20 members, maybe more... But only need something simple. What is light and customisable and easy to install? Any recommendations?

PhillyDee · 22 Nov 2009 at 16:52

Drupal is ok. Basic and simple.

Or you have PHPBB. Both require MySQL (As do most forums!)

Draeger · 22 Nov 2009 at 16:57

I quite like SMF :-

http://www.simplemachines.org/

malef!c · 22 Nov 2009 at 18:17

PunBB is quite nifty as well

_TubbZ_ · 23 Nov 2009 at 01:36

for only twenty users why not just use a free messageboard?

V4NT0M · 23 Nov 2009 at 01:54

SMF is pretty good for a simple small forum.

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 03:40

If you dont mind me asking, what will be the main use of your forum?

fiveub · 23 Nov 2009 at 08:03

Mainly used for a few of us to chat, leave messages, make long threads, so people can log in and see them.

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 10:40

Id personally go with phpbb3, its not too complicated & there are some nice styles/themes that can be used with it. Alternatively how about a wordpress area & give your 20 or so members author privileges?

fiveub · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:33

Thank you Pixie, I will have a look at them to see what it is like. I just hope it is easy to install!

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:36

Np hunni, if your with anyone like VidaHost that uses Fantastico in the cPanel - installation will be very simple as it will create the database for you =)

fiveub · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:38

Ooo, I am with TSOhost, and it has Fantastico I think... Will check tonight!

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 12:43

I know with mine for forums i get the option of phpbb & SMF, and several options for blogging, but I personally prefer wordpress as there are some lovely themes & the functionality is good.

fiveub · 23 Nov 2009 at 17:48

Do you know if it is possible to embed into a website?

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 18:12

I think you can use something like:

Code:

<div><iframe src ="link to board location in here"width="600px" height="400px"></iframe></div>

PhillyDee · 23 Nov 2009 at 18:16

Iframes are manky things though!

Im sure there will be a way to embed it. Either that, or skin the forum to match your site!

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 18:20

A skin would probably be the best looking option. Maybe check out the phpbb or smf community forums see if they have any solutions

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 18:27

If your thinking of using Joomla, this may be of use:

RokBridge is a non-invasive, bi-directional bridge for Joomla and the forum platform phpBB3. By following a few simple sets, you can easily integrate the two platforms, providing registration, user syncing and syncing of login sessions.

Traditionally bridges for Joomla have been a variety of hack's in both the Joomla and the forum code base, resulting in a precarious solution that was prone to break with updates on either side. This is not the case with RokBridge due to its non-invasive characteristics. RokBridge has been developed with the help of key members of the phpBB3 team to ensure that no hacks are required on the Joomla or phpBB3 side. Everything just works.

fiveub · 23 Nov 2009 at 19:15

To give you guys more of an idea, this is my website I have currently:

www.team-ifra.co.uk

I am wanting a mini forum that goes with the site, and is just simple.

PixieLandGirl · 23 Nov 2009 at 19:37

OK I did a very quick mock up of something using a very basic style

Test forum