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[SquirrelBean]

Hi,

this thread has more than likely been done before but i did a search and couldn't really find what i was looking for.

I am just starting out really as a webdesigner, doing a few sites for friends at the mo. one site i will be starting on shortly i would like to add the bulleting board feature to for site users. as i have never used anything like it before i was wondering if anyone can tell me if it is an easy thing to set up, modify, manage peoples accounts etc? does it look the same as this forum?

I don't want to set it up then have loads of problems with it if its a big thing to manage so any advice would be greatly received, thanks!!!

[graue]

The bulletin board offered in cPanel is phpBB. phpBB does not look quite like this forum, it looks and works much better (IMO), though the basic concept of how it works is the same. It is quite easy to set up and administer. The only hard part about setting it up is changing the theme, which is not as straightforward as you might expect.

[sennsi]

Having worked with forum-based programs for about 3 years now, I would say that majority of the available bulletin-style message boards are relatively easy to install.

Considering you only need to create a database with a specified database user, password, and either manually configuring your mySQL tables via phpMyAdmin or through automatic installations offered by the authors.

If you are going into CMS-based format, it'll just be added tables, blocks and modules to play with.

I would recommend you checking out a few other forums before plunging into the popular categories out there such as phpBB, Invision Board (I believe you have to pay for the latest versions....gone commerical. Whats new in this capitalistic society. Cruel Intentions to start out free for 1.x and 2.x versions?), vBulletin (powers this forum) ...etc

As you can see, more and more companies are charging for their templates, software etc. I prefer to go open-source CMS for quicker updates and on-going developing patches as we ventured out more into the Internet Highway. Having said that, it all boils down to whether you'll love to have free or paid programs.

Some reliable CMS :

1) Mambo (mamboserver.com) : I've published a couple of sites using this program and it has a lot of support out there, with writers churning out modules, blocks to enhance your website. Forum installation is a breeze with Mambo as everything is installed/uninstalled via your admin panel.

2) Dragonfly CPGNuke: The final version of Dragonfly 9.0.1 was released a few days ago. Very functional CMS with pre-installed Coppermine gallery, pre-installed phpBB forums, and lots more in the package. CPGNuke was originally based on a PHP-Nuke 6.5 template integrated with Coppermine gallery but has since diverted into their more personalize mySQL tables and functions.

3) Platinium Nuke(techgfx.com) : This is a fully-modded PHP-Nuke version based on the latest 7.6 release. Very user-friendly with lots of fuctions and mods. Integrated forums...etc. Check out platiniumthemes.com

Good forum-stand-alones:

1) XMB Forums: http://forums.xmbforum.com/
2) EasyBB (release coming up soon): http://easybb.org

Hope this helps a little. PM me if you have any problems along the way. IT should be a breeze since you are with Surpass and their cPanel is simply easy to use. Try installing a few test sites to see what most suits your friend's taste.

[Patty]

Just a quick correction: the correct URL for Platinum themes is www.platinumthemes.com

Nice hints here. Thank you.

[David]

Originally Posted by SquirrelBean

Hi,

this thread has more than likely been done before but i did a search and couldn't really find what i was looking for.

I am just starting out really as a webdesigner, doing a few sites for friends at the mo. one site i will be starting on shortly i would like to add the bulleting board feature to for site users. as i have never used anything like it before i was wondering if anyone can tell me if it is an easy thing to set up, modify, manage peoples accounts etc? does it look the same as this forum?

I don't want to set it up then have loads of problems with it if its a big thing to manage so any advice would be greatly received, thanks!!!

I'd suggest using something simple first time out, such as phpbb or punbb. While phpbb can be installed with CPanel, I would suggest doing it manually for a couple reasons.

1) You'll find out how to install it. It's not hard at all (very easy actually).

2) Self installers like to not work right sometimes, so if something starts acting wonky, it could be because of that and you won't know why.

phpbb looks like this:
http://www.phpbbhacks.com/templatesdemo/

punbb looks like this:
http://forums.punbb.org/

Both are free, and easy to use out of the package. Phpbb requires mods for some specific things though, which other boards come with standard.

[ozzy]

i like phpbb... it's pretty simple to use.

[Ancyru]

I'm still holding on to my Invision Power Board(Trial) v2.0.0

'twas the last free copy.

[David]

same here lol...but I'm going to buy a license eventually

[SquirrelBean]

Thanks for your help folks, I really appreciate it