Which is the best free forum software?

Which is the best free forum software to install? I have been using phpbb and was wondering if anyone knew of a forum that had more/better features than this one.

I think that I am going to test out this SMF as it seems to have more to start with...

SMF is fine, and I really like that it is easy to mod it yourself.

I used phpBB for some other forums that I made in the recent past, but it is not so good, because it produces big overhead, and it is very unsecure. In three months (that I used it) there were made 3 critical security updates....

I like IPB best.

i highly recommend phpBB2 as well as SMF

I'm running phpBB myself. It has quite a good reputation in the free forum-software part of the world

Yes but I'm still seeking to find a mod to put the topic title in the URL? 

Have you ever seen such a mod for phpbb?

I don't know, but I'm sure it can be made...

search google for phpBB mod sites, im sure ull find something like what ur lookin for.. i personally cant remember any mod sites off the top of my head

SMF is pretty good, it seems to have a lot of available hacks.
I've had some experience with both PhoBB and Invision Power Board (v1.3 is freeeee) and I've reached a conclusion: IPB is better (for me at least), since PHPBB always seems to have security issues. And who doesn't remember the worm for PHPBB...

I don't like phpBB... it is SMF for me.

SMF just released a new version with a much better default skin.

I hate default skins its like using a website template that is already in use on a lot of other sites...

That's true. And in fact there are thousands of begginers that use default themes to start a community. I believe this way you have no chance to success. Even if you use a non default template, you should change it a lot before enstablish your site.

I agree with Nikolas. After all there are thousands of forums out there, so you have to be unique if you want to be competitive

Im pretty damn sure PHPBB is the best FREE one. I would love SMF though.

I tried phpbb when i was running a board for my classmates..it's neat.. but havent try SMF yet. Is it easy to use as phpbb since i know nothing about programming? =P

Yes it is easy to use, and propably easier than phpBB because it has less complexed feautures.

woww... that's great. i'll definitely give it a try next time . xD

Hi,

For me i think it is MyBB as i am a big user of MyBB i find it to be very good and clean. I also think it is better than VB:) but thats my view on it

I myself prefer Invision's forums. Invisionfree itself is highly customizable. IPB is even better.

~Crystal

I'm a big fan of SMF with Tinyportal installed. It's a great platform with lots of flexibility.

My only issue with SMF.. is that i need to figure out all the amazing things that WebDigity has installed so i can implement them for my community! :D

LoL. I don't want to dissapoint you, but most of these are custom made, and I really can't tell you how to implement them too(I have made too many changes to the software to remember them). But whatever you need to do you can ask in the php board, I will be glad to help :)

ahhhh ok.... DOH!  ;D

I'm not one you would call 'master of PHP' but i'm getting my noodle around it.... will ask over in the appropriate forum  ;)

For an ASP based solution Snitz is nice.

I have heard miniBB is good although I have no experience with it.

i just bought my first vB license and am looking forward to the launch of me newest forum.

smf is great. what phpbb 3 would bring to the table would be something to watch out though

That's true, but to be honest, after the big security issues that phpBB had in the past, I don't think I will ever go back there :)

I prefer vBulletin although it does cost a lot.

That's right, and the topic is about the best free forum software :)

Oops, then it has to be IPB 1.3 or SMF.

I have used both phpBB and SMF, and I have to say I like SMF better, though if there was a forum with a index page link mod and referrral mod, I grab it faster than a heartbeat!

What you mean "index page link mod"?

For SMF there is not any affiliate mod, but you can allways pay someone - like me ;) - to code one for you, or make it yourself as SMF is the easiest to modify forum software out there :)

Coolies, Nikolas. I could probably use one for SMF 1.1.2, for my main forums at Joffee Publishing's site (the divisions (eg. Dating Central, etc.) have their own forums) :D .

My preference goes to phpbb.

The most simple and efficient to create a forum, imho ;)
If you haven't got much time, and want to see what the new phpbb3 can offer, just try it out on this host : create forum

Hope you will enjoy it :)

Let us know when the spammers hit your board hosting service ;)

LOL

I am using Simple Machines and it works great so far.