[OT] Need help setting up a Web Forum

[Capt. Rik]

Although i'm not a newbie when it comes to computers or programming, i have no real experience of any web based programs.

I've seen plenty of different styles of forums and such like and i'm looking for a simple-to-setup one that I can make for me and my friends.

Preferably in the style of my clans page (or the NC forums although not a complicated)...

http://www.gudinna.com/cof/phpBB2/

I'm looking for instructions on how to design and implement such a page etc. Also looking for places where I can host it cheaply.

Any help greatfully recieved (just point me to some web-based instructions if you know of them)

Capt. Rik

[Lexxuk]

Invision Board have a free board, well 2, one paid one free, no difference really between the two, its easy to install, lots of modifications and you can do what you want with it. Just google for Invision Board, download the "trial" unzip then upload it to your website and type http://url.to.site/sm_install.php to install it.

[Capt. Rik]

So, just to clarify, I need some get hold of some web space myself before I can upload it?

Can I just sign up for some free stuff (any recommended?) or is it better to pay for it?

[Jonax]

So, just to clarify, I need some get hold of some web space myself before I can upload it?

Can I just sign up for some free stuff (any recommended?) or is it better to pay for it?

You need a webspace from a host that gives has three things - Enough space, the ability to create MySQL databases and has PHP enabled. The space thing isn't that important to search for - It's the MySQL and PHP that ditches many web hosts as potential (although the number of web hosts offering these for free is increasing :D).

InvisionFree (http://www.invisionfree.com/) is a decent beginner's way of learning how to admin an IPB forum and handle a lot of the technical stuff including installation. However, they do limit a considerable number of things - Personally, I just love to install and organise all of the forum myself :D but they're good if all you need is a simple Invision forum