I admin a simple machines community and it's past time that we update our look. I have studied the mods and themes here but..my college degree isn't enough to figure it out. :'( Is there a kind soul here that can help me navigate this?
Thanks.
Are you looking to just install a new theme and use that one? If so, take a look at this-
https://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Installation_-_How_do_I_install_a_theme
What is your SMF version?
2.0.4
We have a small community for women and I'd like to freshen the look of what we have been using for the last 7 years or so.
Is there one place to go to see demos of the most popular themes?
We just want something simple and easy.
Are there any themes that include a "like" button?
First thing you should really do is patch your forum up to 2.0.15 as you are 11 versions behind that and there have been quite a few security updates. To patch up to the current version, you do not have to upgrade; you can go up one version at a time (2.0.4 to 2.0.5 to 2.0.6, etc)
Here is how to patch- https://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/Patching
Themes are changing the look of your forum, and themes won't come with a likes feature. Adding likes would come from installing a mod which is different than installing a theme. Here is how to install a mod- https://wiki.simplemachines.org/smf/SMF2.0:Package_manager
Not sure who would be using a theme for their forum you could see that would be a theme you would like, but you can go to the theme site and look at the screen shots to see what interests you. https://custom.simplemachines.org/themes/
I would go to the "recent themes" tab to the left and then go from there. If you are interested in a more updated look, I would recommend you find a theme that is responsive- so it will look good on mobile devices as well
I would pick a theme first before installing a like mod or others because when you install mods, sometimes those mods may not work correctly in other themes; especially themes installed after the mod was installed.
Pick a theme, install it, and then you could add mods- when you install a mod, you will see the option to install that mod in other themes- make sure you check any themes you have installed so that mod can be installed properly on those themes as well
If you need assistance, drop me a PM with link to your forum.