Free forum boards phpBB vs Simplemachines?

[ijujym]

Which open source board to choose (phpBB, SM or other one)? The main website is built with cms, so for the forum simplicity in administration is the key.

[SolidShellSecurity]

Try them all and see which one works best for you? Best advice can offer.

[snakeair]

I've noticed more spam on PHPBB forums then Simple machines when landing on these types of forums through Google search.

Then again it could just be the admin's fault for not putting security measures in place or lack of moderating. Like mentioned before, look at both forum softwares features and also ask questions in there support forum. Pick the forum software that you know you could do well with and eventually build a huge forum.

[Learn]

I am working in a simple machines one. We are very satisfied. But SolidShellSecurity is right, you just try them all and see which one works best for you.

[SteveFM]

do some research there are sooo many alternatives yet to the 2 you mentioned.
I myself run phpBB but to be honest it is def not the fastest forum system. However I've had vBulletin also (not free!) and isn't that much faster but very robust.

However fast - features is always a trade-off.

Also have a look at XenForo I like that one (as visitor) not sure if that one is free though

[snakeair]

Originally Posted by SteveFM

do some research there are sooo many alternatives yet to the 2 you mentioned.
I myself run phpBB but to be honest it is def not the fastest forum system. However I've had vBulletin also (not free!) and isn't that much faster but very robust.

However fast - features is always a trade-off.

Also have a look at XenForo I like that one (as visitor) not sure if that one is free though

XenForo is not free and you still have to buy a license and stuff lice vBulleten. This forum software was started by former vBullentin employee's who created vBullentin

Let's get back to the thread creators question as we not talking about paid forum software right now.

[makiaveli]

I'm using SMF but thinking about to go for something else. I don't know is it slow as it is or I don't know to set it right.

[pupul]

MyBB forum script is also good. Try it.

[chad1988]

I've used smf in the past. But I now prefer and use mybb. http://mybb.com

Chad

[Bonken]

Comes down to personal preference really, both are widely recognized and good :p

[megamoose]

I have always loved Invision Power Board, even more so the second version. It looks great and come feature packed with a CMS, blog, and many other features. It's not free though. When it comes to free forum software, I would have to say phpBB is probably the best if you want a wide selection of theme and addons.

If you want to compare the free ones I would recommend you check out the link below:
Open Source CMS - Forum Compare

It lets you try out a lot of different scripts. You can even look at the admin panel behind them all.

[SteveFM]

nice post megamoose! Both on IP board and the forum compare link.. that IP board really looks like a nice one however it's not cheap though.

P.s. I just realized Im missing a 'thank you' button on this forum!

[makiaveli]

Originally Posted by chad1988

I've used smf in the past. But I now prefer and use mybb.

Chad

Thanks for recommendation. Did you have problems with smf slowiness?

[King21]

my vote goes to simplemachine
it has better features and good in seo

[ramsurge]

There are a great number of opensource forum software available. I don't use them myself, however, I would suggest taking a look at MyBB. You wont really know until you've given a few of them a try to see what works best for you and your forum.

Regards