Forum Help

They have: 3 posts

Joined: Jun 2001

I need help. I have a site but want a cool forum to put in it. I would like user names, profiles and a member ranking but it also has to be free. Can anyone help me?

Mark Hensler's picture

He has: 4,048 posts

Joined: Aug 2000

Welcome to TWF, LittleDude.

What languages can your server run? (PHP, ASP, Perl)
What type of databases do you have access to? (mySQL, msSQL)

They have: 3 posts

Joined: Jun 2001

ummm im not sure. im just a begginer webmaster. whats the diff?

Mark Hensler's picture

He has: 4,048 posts

Joined: Aug 2000

ASP is a language supported by NT servers. There are programs available so you can run ASP scrits on *nix boxes, but it's rare that you'll find a host offering this.

PHP is supported by NT and *nix servers. I'm not sure if I've ever found a free host that offers this.

Perl is supported by NT and *nix servers. This is often available on free hosts, but some don't allow you to install your own, restricting you to the ones they provide.

mySQL is a database that is supported by *nix. It is also available for win 32, but almost never supported by hosts. I've never found a free host that gives access to a mySQL database.

msSQL (aka Microsoft SQL Server 7) is a databse supported by NT servers. Expect to pay a pretty penny for any access to one of these.

If you are going with a free host, you may want to look into remotely hosted forums. There are several around, but I can't think of any at the moment.

Mark Hensler
If there is no answer on Google, then there is no question.

mjames's picture

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Mark, I think he'd be better off running a remotely hosted, free forums service at this stage - rather than setting up a more complicated one locally like vB.

Here are some free ones for you to check out:

ezboard.com
coolboard.com
boardhost.com
phpbb.com
ikonboard.com

The last two you have to setup yourself, so be aware.

They have: 3 posts

Joined: Jun 2001

yeah remote hosted is better for me cause I dont know to much about building one.

mjames's picture

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Quote: Originally posted by LittleDude
yeah remote hosted is better for me cause I dont know to much about building one.

That's okay, we all have to start somewhere, and luckily, there are still a few free alternatives available. Just expect a lot of advertising. Let us know what you decide and how it goes. Good luck!

They have: 4 posts

Joined: Jul 2001

If you are still looking for a good forum to use, I gotta give a Thumbs up for the YaBB forum. We use it as the support forum for NigthHawk Hosting. The YaBB forum script is free and really simple to setup and maintain. I have helped a couple of my customers set it up as well, and even with no previous cgi experience they were able to get it up and running in less than an hour!

Hope that helps!

--> Please don't excessively link to your site. Your signature link is fine, but otherwise, it is considered sneaky advertising.

NightHawk
NightHawk Hosting
When Downtime is not an option!

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Jul 2001

...even better, http://www.boardnation.com <-- the best free hosted message boards (only cos I work there of course, heh). Free hosted YaBBs with no ads! Way better than ezboard and the likes.

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