What is phpBB?
PHP Bulletin Board or simply phpBB as is commonly referred to- is a popular Internet forum package that is written in PHP scripting language. phpBB is readily available under the GNU General Public License and it’s free. Since its inception in 2000, phpBB has grown in to become the most sought after and used Open Source forum solution.
phpBB popularity stems from the fact that it’s administration panel is user friendly and the installation process is friendly, which permits you to set-up the forum in minutes. The key features are highly customizable coupled with a compliant standard interface.
The high customizable key features with a standard compliant interface, phpBB will grow and complement your website.
These are some of the features of phpBB
The Admin Control Panel is modular designed, as well as the Moderator Control Panel, and User Control Panel. The administrator has a lot of control on the features of the forum software like how it is displayed to user and group permission management.
Multiple database management systems support for ODBC accessible DBMS LIKE MySQL, Firebird, SQLite, OpenLink Virtuoso, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL and Oracle.
Limitless levels of subforums support
Able to create custom defined BBCode
Custom profiles field can be created
System permission
The system style template is such that it is easy to customize and it keeps the HTML separate from the PHP.
PHPBB2 has over 48 translations through a language pack system giving phpBB an international feel.
PhpBB is compatible with multi database management systems including postgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, MySQL and Microsoft Access.
The interface customisations and code also known as MODs and styles.
Installation of phpBB is very easy
High security is prioritized with phpBB with extensive authorization system boosted with a strong encryption for the password safety.
phpBB has a powerful search facility
Can take a limitless number of members for the forum
Has private and public forums
The message facility is very private
You are able to customize the templates
phpBB has been designed to allow you to format the different font and styles image posting and for automatic URL link and display of the code.
Support will be provided for free by the huge phpBB community.
The following are some of the pros that make phpBB one of the most popular free bullentin board applications.
pros:
Offers free templates/plugins/mods
MySQL, PostgreSQL and MSSQL database engines supported
Has search flood control
Posts are sorted
Able to customize private message filters
Cons:
phpBB mod installer is not automatic
Some of the additional mods require advanced programming skills to when installing
HTML in posts is not possible
Lacks user ranking
RSS is unavailable
PhpBB forum hosting
The phpBB forum hosting providers are several in the market offering absolutely free, or inexpensive hosting packages forums and also premium paid hosting packages. All the aforementioned will depend on the quality of that server and the features that are proffered in the particular package. Also the customer service quality and support provided by the forum hosting company. phpBB that are free will have very minimal disc space for their message board and pop up ads to boot. Incases of paid phpBB service, the disk space is more and is add free.
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