Best platform for forums?

[ibz75]

Looking for a good 'forum' software package. I don't have any SQL skills, so was looking for something that can be easily uploaded and then modified to meet my needs. It will be for a 'community forum'.

So far the short list included PHP BB, MyBB and Vbulletin (paid). Vbulletin seems to be the best choice as an 'out of the box' platform, but was wondering what your views/opinions are?

Thanks.

[Faevilangel]

VB, MyBB, simplemachineforum, phpbb, IPB (invision power boards)

Personally depends if you want the support and structure then either VB or IPB

If not then any open source will do what you want but be sure to keep it updated

[evocart]

I quite like the look of myBB and it's easy to use, however it's quite open to robottic spammers, so you need a few fixes. PHPBB is a bit tricker to get used to, but the best free forum software IMO, not many great templates, however you can alays change the header and footer to match your site or make the forum look more branded.

Never tried VBulletin but from what I see as a user I think it has great potential and may get myself a copy one of these days.

[edmondscommerce]

running our magento forum (http://magento-forum.co.uk) on phpbb and quite happy with it

I do intend to mod it a bit at some point, there is a whole SEO version of phpBB which looks really good

[Robert Page]

I've never had a problem with phpBB - Unbelievable amounts of customisation and smart functions available, once you've got it in place. You can tweak the settings as much or as little as you want, and learn new bits as you need them. There's no major database fiddling needed either.

[PETTE]

Vbulletin is by far the best, but the hardiest to use for a beginner. So you might consider using IPB because it's easier.

[Paul Norman]

I actually don't like vbulletin - subjective!

[Eric80]

if you can afford, vbulletin is the best choice.

if you want free one, check simple machine forum. phpBB3 is popular, but has too many spam, IMHO.

[jmsclark]

so many choices !!!

but i strongly feel that vbulletin is the best among all , though u have to pay some more bucks to get the script

[wise]

mybb is an excellent all round performer, very customisable, is very easy for users to browse round and post. We are resurrecting a forum and have migrated to it - this is the vanilla install http://www.wisehostingtalk.com

[matt4]

vBulletin no longer the best in paid script terms in my opinion. Go with IPB.

MyBB is great too! I would recommend that. It's all I use these days :)

[H22SolutionsLtd]

I have used phpBB for many years, the flexibility it gives for the price (free!) you can not go wrong.:)

[webboy]

You should try to get some MYSQL skills as they all run off databases. if you have problem during a outage or need to roll back you should know what to do or who to call for expert advise.

Looking for a good 'forum' software package. I don't have any SQL skills, so was looking for something that can be easily uploaded and then modified to meet my needs. It will be for a 'community forum'.

So far the short list included PHP BB, MyBB and Vbulletin (paid). Vbulletin seems to be the best choice as an 'out of the box' platform, but was wondering what your views/opinions are?

Thanks.