On-line FORUM Setup

[Shaggy]

I am interested in setting up a Forum, like this one, but for speacalist use within the dental field, so no I am not trying to poach any business here!!

Anyone out there who can forward me in the right direction of how to go about setting it up, how and who to host with and the cost implications of it all.

 

[epiphany]

http://www.phpbb.com/support/

check out the google adverts down the left for hosting packages suitable for phpbb forums. The forums are free and the hosting+domain is available for well under £20 per year.

 

[RockLinks]

Hi Shaggy,

I have sent you a pm as i may be able to help you

 

[Rob Holmes]

And if you're still short of help...

Give us a call. We have a few forums (including phpBB who created the script for this forum) on auto-install software on the server already which makes life alot easier.

Also don't go for a £20 a year hosting package unless you know the host really really well, you need a reliable host, one you can call if theres a problem and one that backs up your forum every night.

Forums are a bit different than static sites as you have more regular visitors, bandwidth is generally a bit higher once they get busy and they tend to be hacked more than static sites so you need to be sure you're well backed up.

Rob

 

[Ozzy]

Also a few things to consider when setting up a forum...

Ensure the installation is always up to date with the latest security patches.
Spend the money on getting a bespoke theme designed and installed for that prefessional look.
Take out professional indemnity insurance, or update any you have in place at the moment to ensure it covers use and abuse of online forums.