Best forums (preferably free?)

I just wanted to ask this topic to see if someone could recommend a good forum to use. Here are the ones I know of already, I was just wondering if there's anything else?

-phpBB (#1 forum targeted by hackers? Also, no branding/copyright removal option)
-yaBB (used it a long time ago, don't know how it's still holding up)
-Vanilla (looks nice, but supposedly difficult to mod, and I dont know about its security)
-IPB (req. annual fee)
-vBulletin (req. annual fee)

Let me first say that I'm willing to pay for a forum if I have to (and if it's worth it), but NOT if it requires an annual fee for updates. Things I value the most are in this order:

1) security
2) modability (forum skins)
3) # of features & available plugins

 

Do you know SimpleMachines.org? It's a well known free forum software. They have some skins there, but I'm not sure about other things, as I haven't used them. I haven't run a forum yet.

Also, I think you will find more help in this DP forum section: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/forumdisplay.php?f=64

 

I use SimpleMachines (SMF forums) for my www.noddegamra.co.uk/forum/

Its really great software and free!

 

I almost forgot about that one - I did hear of it, but never looked into it...thanks!

Noddegamra - I like how your forum has SEF url's! Not even vbulletin has that...I might go with it just because of that.

also - sorry, I didn't know there was a section for forums!

 

No worries. The URL is part of a free mod/download called "pretty URLs"

Good luck with your new forum

 

Nice forum Noddegamra! Very professional looking.

I would say vBulletin from my limited experience. Seeing Nod's site, makes me think otherwise.

 

vBulletin for me, its by far the best. However, if your looking for a free solution I have also used SimpleMachines, and its very good, easy to use too!

My advice would be, if you are prepared to pay the money; then do so.

 

I currently have vBulletin and I'm trying to reduce my (already high) annual expenses. I also don't feel like paying for an additional license for 4 other boards I want to create. Thanks for these recommendations!

 

I'll have to say MyBB, that's just personal preference + ease of use for me.

See if Forum Matrix helps you choose

 

My vote would be for SimpleMachines (SMF forums). The ISS are a really cool feature if intergrated well.

 

Try out http://www.punbb.org

 

Thankyou for your kind comments

 

I also use SMF however ive had trouble installing mods and such, phpbb definately has its pros.

 

My experience is also that SMF is ugly, but i have seen some nice custom templates that are very nice looking. But i prefer phpbb because its so easy to mod and never use unmodded forums.

 

Try PunBB or MyBB. I like the first one!

Some example forums

http://logopond.com/forum/
http://www.pcmodz.info/forum.php
http://punbb.org/forums/

P.S:These are not mine

 

I have used phpBB, but my preference for a free forum is to use miniBB

It meets your free criteria, it is simple to skin (think css simple) has a pretty good templating system as well.

Now, it is lightweight and does not have all the bells and whistles of other forum software but there are both free and paid addons that will allow you to configure it exactly how you want it.

It has a pretty good SEO setup that is easy to configure as well. As it is not one of the popular form software, I have had a lot of luck in that I almost never get spammers sign up to the forum (a big plus)

You need to be prepared to learn a little about how it works, but a couple of hours is well worth the effort.

 

I like myBB or FUDFORUM. Fudforum has not many themes, but has "tree" and "flat" view, which is nice for larger forums.
Also very speedy and technically highly flexible.

 

You'll need to install a ton of mods to phpbb to cut down on spam (I currently have 6 mods installed).

I have the Forums set to Admin approval, mod to remove Website URL, HTML turned off, Mod to delete Spam Registrations in mass, and on and on. And there are still plenty of idiots willing to take the time to fill out the form, try to paste URL's into fields where they are not designed to go, etc.

It's not worth the time. Vbulletin for me. $100 well spent. PHPBB could do a lot more, but they are not going to as they want to be this World Wide Product.

I ban tons of IP's. Most of my spam comes from the Far East Russia and South America.

Free will cost you.

 

I've used SMF, PHPBB, VB and IPB.

My fave? VB or IPB. They are just immense, although IPB gets hacked all the time

PHPBB is hard to skin if you dont know SMARTY, but its the best of the free ones IMO.

 

MyBB is my choice