I have a website and I'd like to add a forum. Can anyone explain how to do this, or should I just contact the customer service reps at my hosting? TIA
you should find a forum script first. For free one, perhaps phpbb, install it, then just put a link to the forum on your website.
I think the easiest way would be to go into your CPanel and then into Fantastico. There is SMF and PHPBB in there and its the easiest way to install it. Unless you want VB and then you would have to upload via FTP
Skyline_GTR and Kel gave the correct answers to the question. However, I would like to say that if you do add a forum, then don't just stop there. Hunt around for a nice skin for it... there are many free ones out there. Default forum skins are so drab and boring and on an empty board can keep it empty as there is nothing to pull in new members. While a skin itself likely will not pull in new members it certainly will be more of a help then a hindrance. Once you get that done, then pull in a few family members and friends to get some decent (topical) conversations going...as it's the content in a forum that'll really help in getting it off the ground.