Want to start a forum, but don't know where to start.

[telegraph.hill]

Hi

I want to start a forum, in fact maybe more than one, but have to confess to being totally ignorant about how to start one.

I'm not totally ignorant about forums and how they run from the point of view of the user - I've posted on loads of them.

Also I'm not totally IT ignorant either - I've written web pages, and know html, and C++. The thing is, the only time I've ever put my own web pages up on the web, it was through the Open University, UK, and so they were the host. I know nothing about getting a commercial host. Also, I gather that putting a forum online will be different to putting web pages up, as there is so much more software involved.

I have a rough idea of which forum software I would use. I would go for a free one to start with, so that rules out vBulletin, which I actually think is pretty neat. I think that leaves Simple Machines and phpBB. I'm wondering what the advantages are of each.

I'm also thinking about monetising the forum/s by means of google adsense, to cover costs. Does that restrict the type of forum software I can use? And does it restrict the hosting I can use?

Any advice gratefully received.

[Scott]

Phew, I don't know where to start answering :D

I'm going to start by blowing my own trumpet. This thread (http://www.forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=146) hopefully will help answer some of those questions in a bit of detail. And this one (http://www.forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=293) is a quick and dirty intro to hosting for forums.

I don't know how much you know, so forgive me if this is very simple. I'm guessing with the Open University you were creating basic HTML pages, perhaps with a program such as Dreamweaver. You'd then put them on their server, hopefully through a protocol known as FTP, to allow it to be accessed through the web.

The idea is the same for forums. The popular ones (vB, phpBB, smf, etc) all use a language called PHP. Therefore, to run a (PHP) forum, you need the web server to be able to understand the language. Shouldn't be a problem these days, but do check. PHP tells the server how to display a web page such as a thread, but it needs to get the data from somewhere. Databases (at least 1), usually MySQL, will also be needed.

Once you've got all of them set up on a server somewhere, plus a domain name, you can upload and install the software. The method for doing this depends and each will give you instructions on how to do it properly.

Back to my trumpet, for phpBB vs. SMF, check out this thread. (http://www.forumuniversity.com/campus/showthread.php?t=869) But I would suggest trying both and picking whichever you prefer.

Adsense shouldn't restrict you to either software or hosting.

:)

[telegraph.hill]

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, Scott. I'll take a look at the thread that you recommend.

When I did web pages with the Open Uni I didn't use Dreamweaver - I'm a real hands-on raw html type of person.

So I check with the host that their server will understand php?

And then I need to construct a database too?

[Scott]

When I did web pages with the Open Uni I didn't use Dreamweaver - I'm a real hands-on raw html type of person.That's what I like to hear!

So I check with the host that their server will understand php?

And then I need to construct a database too?
They should tell you they support PHP <version number>. Make sure that version is what the software can cope with, but you shouldn't get many problems here.

The database tables will be constructed by the software when you install it. You just need to make sure the host gives you a database (most will give you more than 1) which the software uses.

[Jayso]

With the advertising, that HTML knowledge will come in handy ;)

I'm not sure about SMF (because I hate its guts...) but i know that phpBB requires you to play with the code to insert the adverts ;)

phpBB uses HTML in its template files, so the only reason you would need to edit the PHP is if you're doing advanced advertising (ex: putting adverts as a reply to the first post or something) or if you are installing a Modification

With the level of expertise you have in IT already, you shouldn't have too much trouble with a forum system ;) - If you do just post all the questions you have ;)

[telegraph.hill]

Thanks, Jayso and Scott.

Scott, I'm finally going to get around to reading yr threads. I'm studying, so sometimes I don't know where the time goes.

What do you so dislike about SMF, Jayso?

[clare12345]

I would suggest also to start checking into hosts first. You can find a lot of popular ones by asking around, but the one I use is www.cirtexhosting.com
They have great customer service and use PHP and offer many cheap packages. Go with whoever you want though.

[telegraph.hill]

Yes, clare, it looks as though the first thing I need to think about is hosting, and thanks for the recommendation. I'll take a look. Do you have a forum with them?

How does one pay a hosting company, btw? Is it generally by PayPal?

[Scott]

How does one pay a hosting company, btw? Is it generally by PayPal?
Usually there are multiple methods, PayPal is a common way. Do check before you sign up though :)