Hello guys, I would like to start my own forum and I was wondering if I install the phpbb through cpanel of my hosting account. How much traffic will I be able to take? And if I do happen to have or recieve alot of traffic does that mean I will require a bigger hosting package? Any comments will help, thank you.
I never needed to upgrade my package hosting package yet, but then again, I am small with only 130 members. I think you should be fine for a long time. It takes time to build a foundation of members. Also look into SMF forums (simple machines forum) it's free and I really like it. phpbb is nice too, I just find it a bit generic and blah. Best of luck
phpBB is easier to exploit throughout several flaws as well, SMF will be higher in security as well, so check them out.
Yea, PhpBB is known of it's security holes. Smf is easier to use and mods are easier to install too. Try it.
I think phpbb is the best use for a starter. Check my signature, one of my sites runs on phpbb and you have the freedom to use the Mods the way you like.
PhpBB 3 is a great free forum software and Its one of the best free forum script's around. Plus, I don't think you would need a lot of bandwidth even if you receive a lot of traffic, but that really depends what content your going to have, e.g. if your going to have flash games and a lot of images then you may need more bandwidth just incase.
Thank you guys for your comments. I went to v bullentin's website and from there I guessed I need about $160 for the ownership license... I did check out both phpbb and smf and I really like the layout of smf. If these free services will offer me the same as v bullentin??? Then I will start there. What is the difference between v bullentin and phpbb and smf? My greatest concerns were for the traffic, and no it will not be a video gaming site. Its for a particular niche market.
You wouldnt encounter much traffic at all. But, if your forum offers downloads, then prepare to see some increase in bandwitdh usage. VB is more user friendly as well as lots of customization. Easy to manage bla bla bla.. SMF has nice feature too but as what you can expect from free stuff, the support are a bit slow. If you can afford vb, then I recommend go with it.
phpBB is easier to upgrade to vBulletin. SMF still has password loss issues. However they are both top notch, especially considering they are free.
vB is great if you have the money. However, I would go with PHPBB if you don't. PHPBB is widely used and is easy enough to maintain. I have used IPB, and SMF as well. IPB is nice but pricey. SMF is ugly, and difficult to manage.
Don't use Fantastico, do a clean installation using the scripts (whichever forum you decide to use) installation instructions.