1. Simple Machines Forum (SMF) – I consider this one to be the best. This is the one I am currently using for this blog’s forum. It is a professional grade forum software package that is easy to setup and has a powerful custom made template engine. The script is written in PHP and uses MySQL database. The script supports multiple languages and has all the security, settings, and tracking features you can find in an expensive community software.
If ever you will have problem with forum spammers, just activate the email activation feature to stop them from automatically registering on the forum.
2. MiniBB – This one I think is the simpliest but great forum script around. So if you want it to be simple but powerfull, I suggest you should try this one. The software only requires minimum technical knowledge so you can use and install it easily.
I’ve had problems with spam bots when I first used this script. To solve the problem, I enable that all who wishes to visit the forum will need to supply a password first. It works!
3. phpBB – Claims to be one of the most widely used Open Source forum solution with millions of installations worldwide. Like the previous scripts mentioned above, phpBB is also easy to get around with.
Now in version 3.0, phpBB incorporates a professional modular design, high security, multiple-language support, and complete layout customisation feature so you have full control over the entire forum operations.
There are a lot of unavailabe features I found on their version 2 but are now available in version 3 so its a good news for all phpBB users.
4. WWWthreads – Again one of the best free professional bulletin board software I’ve found. It has a high powered, full scalable, customizable open source bulletin board package that users can modify to their needs.
Here are some of its features:
• Unlimited Forums and Posts
• Multiple Language Interface
• The ability to create Public or Private Forums
• Supports Popular Database Servers
• Search Capabilities
• A Private Messaging System
• Customization
• Templates for Ease of Use
5. Vanilla – This is an open-source, standards-compliant, multi-lingual, fully extensible discussion forum for the web. You can quickly and easily see which discussions you haven’t read, and how many new comments are in each discussion.
Written in PHP and requires MySQL 3.23, it has a built-in spam control, an autonomous user and role management system for greater flexibility and ease of use.
Developers are welcome to create add-ons for Vanilla for greater functionality.
6. MyBB – Among all of the forum scripts I’ve mentioned, this one has a unique switching feature that easily allows you to convert from vB, IPB, phpBB, SMF, punBB, and XMB to MyBB using their official MyBB Merge System.
MyBB is a forum package full of useful and to-the-point features, helping you to make administrating your bulletin board as easy as possible.
Not very much different from other discussion boards in terms of functionality, features, and usage. What I liked the most about MyBB is its interface. Very clean and professional looking.
7. ImperialBB – ImperialBB is a free PHP/MySQL driven forum software package which is fully featured and highly customizable. It is compatable with all webserver / operating system setups providing PHP 4.x or higher is installed. It also benefits from a unique one click upgrader and mod installer to cut down the time you have to spend installing mods on your system and ensures that you keep it up to date.
Part of its main features are:
• One click upgrader and mod installer
• Fully configurable community
• Easy theme installation
• Powerful search capabilites to quickly and easily find the post / thread your looking for!
• Quick and easy creation of ‘announcement’ and ‘pinned’ threads
8. Orca 2 – A forum script that is 100% written in AJAX. Orca 2 has advanced self-moderation features, WYSIWYG editor, SEO-friendly URLs, RSS feeds, and real-time activity tracking.
Orca 2 features includes:
• Multiple languages support
• Improved template structure
• Search Engine friendly URLs
• Native integration with Dolphin
• Wider support of hosting setups
• Speed improvements
Although its free, you need to buy the premium version to get rid of the embedded ads.
9. NovaBoard – NovaBoard is a free, feature rich community message board software written in PHP & MySQL that allows you to set up your own forum within minutes.
It has the most intense spam fighting security out of all forum software that is currently available.
NovaBoard will also auto-moderate any posts it believes to be from a spammer and notify you immediately ensuring your user base is kept well away from malicious websites.
Source: wisecrunch.com
