How to start the forum off..

[.Josh]

Right, I've only just come across this forum software and I'm not fully aware of where I start a forum up, and how I go along with starting one up. I currently own a forum but I wont advertise the forum. Could someone provide a link on where I need to go to set a forum up? and is their any advise or information that people can give me that I will need?

[kat]

Assuming that you know about getting a host and a domain name, you could have a look here http://docs.simplemachines.org/index.php?board=2.0;sort=subject to read-up on installing SMF.

[.Josh]

the forum I used before was a simple and easy one, Where it was a click of a button where I registered to the board. And then set up a board name and my username and then I was done. All I then needed to do was edit the forum to my liking. I don't get all this hosting thing? I was told that making a new forum with these is free?

[kat]

The software's free.


Where you install it is up to you. You need a host.


You'll find a few mentioned on this board.


http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?board=4.0

[.Josh]

Which of the free onces do you suggest is the best one to use?

[kat]

I'm really, really lucky. My host's free, she'd VERY good and she doesn't force me to have any ads.


Your best bet would be to read through that board and see which one you prefer, I think.

[.Josh]

Would I be able to use the one your using?

[kat]

She's just had a baby and she's not taking any new people, for a while.

[.Josh]

This hosting thing is very confusing for me. As it's a first time in "finding a host" so I'm not use to it. I don't want to set something up and then they won't let me install anything. Because I want to run the forum by myself and my friends and install themes as I please. and move/edit/delete posts and topics as I move along.

[kat]

Again, you're likely to find those things out, by looking around that board.


There's no easier way, I'm afraid.

[.Josh]

And when I do fine one? what happens next?

[kat]

You go to their website and sign up!