The best forum system?

[ffadmin]

In terms of FREE forumsystems, I'd chose SMF. Just check out the post I made in the forum: The Community > Site Management > SMF or PhpBB??

Simple Machines Forum (SMF) Totally. I just recently converted from phpBB to SMF, and I can tell you that SMF is so much better than phpBB. Here is a comparison of phpBB (v2.0.21) and SMF (v1.1 RC3):

SMF:
* Extremely Easy-to-use (and well-laidout) Admin Area
* Wide range of options to customise your board
* Extensive Member Permissions Management
* Very easy to install MODs (one click upload, and one click install)
- A large selection of MODs
- A large number of themes to choose from (Dilber MC is a very good one)
* Very secure password protection (Sha-1 Hashing - version 1.1+)
* Ability to optimise database tables
* Ability to scan for forum errors
* Extensive Forum Error and Moderator Log
* Built-in "News" Section
* Built-in Calender
* Ability to specify login time at login prompt
* Built-in forum statistics
* Ability to create "Child" boards
* Ability to add attachments to posts
- Excellent Support/Community

The list goes on...


phpBB:
* Relatively Easy-to-use Admin Area
* Little options available to customise your board
* Member Permissions Management available
* VERY HARD to install MODs (all done manually - unless you have the EasyMOD installed which I heard was really buggy)
- A large selection of MODs
- A large number of themes to choose from
* Ordinary Password protection
* NOT able to optimise database tables
* NOT able to scan for forum errors
* NO Forum Error and Moderator Log (that I can find)
* NO Built-in "News" Section
* NO Built-in Calender
* NOT able to specify login time at login prompt
* NO Built-in forum statistics
* NOT able to create "Child" boards
* NOT able to add attachments to posts
- Excellent Support/Community


In particular, pay attention to the asterisk* entries - they are the main differences!


Even after briefly looking at other boards such as:
- Aterr
- Beehive Forum
- Bmforum
- IceBB
- MercuryBoard
- MiniBB
- Monkey Boards
- MwForum
- PunBB
- Quicksilver Forums
- Sylphagora
- Ultimate PHP Board
- UseBB
- Vanilla (forum)
- XennoBB

They seem n00b compared to SMF, let alone phpBB (however, I would recommend phpBB AFTER SMF). Hope this helps!!!

Since, I've never administered a paid forumsystem, I have no idea what would be the best in that respect, but since I've used vBulletin alot, I think it's an excellent forum solution.

[Joker Boy]

I agree entirely. Do you know a point/shop mod for SMF? I'd like one...that would be cool.

[ffadmin]

Yeah, I found one thats for SMF:

SMFShop - Shop MOD
http://mods.simplemachines.org/index.php?mod=65

[pgonzale]

I have used phpBB and vBulletin, i definetly prefer vBulletin it has lot of function and even it has a lot of funtions it's easy to use, you won't have any problem with that, it has a friendly interface. Im telling this as a webmaster and like a forum user. I really like it...

Seaa ya.

[bigguy]

Can you add a T.V. and a radio to your vb or phpbb, I don't think you can. I have just done that along with an arcade and a gallery and a links page and a.....I could go on but I won't. Link is in my sig to get there. Guests are only allowed to listen to the radio and play arcade.

[monky91]

I choose vB, although it is quite expensive but it worth it like others say... IPB is the second choice before, but not now, now I only choose vB.

[MultiMediaMadness]

free: phpBB (ptifo.clanmckeen.com is a advanced hierarchie mod, and it has much more features then the original phpBB , it allows you also to install by uploading and pressing install)

paid: i can't decide: Vbulletin, Invision power board or woltlab burning boards, but i think i choose Vbulletin, don't ask me why exactly

[Monawco]

Among free and open source software, phpBB tops my list. Fairly good product, huge MOD database, and pretty good support.

If you haven't got much time, and want to see what the new phpbb3 can offer, just try it out on this host : free forum

Hope this can help!

[DarkDragonLord]

In my opinion, Invision Power Board is the best.
Yes, its paid. Thats why its good. Great support, and a professional design, pro adm panel, everything is nice.

if you want a free, use 1.3 OR, register at invisionfree lol :P
still better than others. The only

[alfren]

my favorite and the most perfect forum system for me is SMF.