[mrguy]

I'm not sure if this is a good place to ask, but I thought I would anyway.

I am considering making a website, that would have most traffic based around its forum.
I would start "small", so I would want a free forum. I need one that is reasonably professional, "admin-friendly" and very customisable. What would you recommend? I would probably want there to be an option to upgrade my forum (i.e. end up paying for it)...
And, what hosts should I be looking at?

[Advertisements]

A forum requires use of server-side scripting languages and databases. Very few free web hosting sites provide this, but you might check these out:

Free web site sources:

Budget Web Hosting List (2 pages): http://www.thefreeco...g/budget1.shtml
PHP, SMPT, Database (All Free): http://x10hosting.co...-hosting-signup
http://www.piczo.com
http://sites.google.com
No Ads: http://www.weebly.com/features.html

There may be others like...

Forums:

Simple Machines Forum : http://www.simplemachines.org/
Forumotion: http://www.forumotion.com/
MyBB: http://www.mybboard.net/ (Free)
http://www.invisionfree.com/ (Free)
What is phpBB? (Free): http://www.phpbb.com/

[AstraNut]

A forum requires use of server-side scripting languages and databases. Very few free web hosting sites provide this, but you might check these out:

Free web site sources:

Budget Web Hosting List (2 pages): http://www.thefreeco...g/budget1.shtml
PHP, SMPT, Database (All Free): http://x10hosting.co...-hosting-signup
http://www.piczo.com
http://sites.google.com
No Ads: http://www.weebly.com/features.html

There may be others like...

Forums:

Simple Machines Forum : http://www.simplemachines.org/
Forumotion: http://www.forumotion.com/
MyBB: http://www.mybboard.net/ (Free)
http://www.invisionfree.com/ (Free)
What is phpBB? (Free): http://www.phpbb.com/

[Johanna]

A forum requires a host that offers My SQL database(s). Simple Machines Forum is relatively easy to set up.
Johanna

[rubber7]

I use SocialGo . They allow you to create your own networking site for free and they have a very nice forum setup. It is easy to use and they have tutorials as well.
Hope it helps

Edited by rubber7, 11 October 2010 - 01:17 PM.

[geekLord]

There are host they support Easy Blogging like jouss.com...I blog on it.
First i tried for free hosting at x10 hosting but failed to keep my site up when the load was high...

Then I went to GoDaddy but they are pathetic at hosting ! i bought my name from them and hosted my site at jouss technologies. Especially for blogging, i just love them. They reply ur msg evn at 3am in da morning !
nice hosting.

And if you are really serious about investing a lot go for (mt)Media Template. I thought of trying them but was unable to bear the cost of $20 every month !