I am new to this site and had a few questions. I have some spare time on my hands and I would like to create my own message boards. I was wondering how difficult this is and if there is even a chance I could do it. My knowledge of computers is semi-extensive, but when it comes to servers/databases I am in the dark. What exactly do you need to do this? DO I create my own server instead of someone hosting it???? I have downloaded Apache, MySQL, and phpbb. I just built a new computer that I would primarily use for my website and this. I have a 200 gb hard drive and a otherwise well equipped system. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance. Sorry for the NOOB questions.

There are many ways to do this. I would think you would either choose to host your own forum, free, or use a free hosted forum website. The second might be easier for starters. It is as easy as going to a site like Fast Forums for you - Home and registering. Within 30 seconds you could have your own forum up and running by just filling out a little bit of info.

You can also host it yourself. You said you already have phpBB downloaded. You will need that, a MySQL database, and an FTP client. If you want to do it this way you could start with a good free host such as Free, Ad-Free Hosting - No Catch! where you will get a MySQL database, host, and a sub-domain. But you will then have to upload the phpBB software via FTP to the host. I'm sure someone else will explain all this, but for you, I would just use a site that hosts the forum for you.

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-Foxx
Major vBulletin Fan... Nothing Else.
I dream I will own a big-board one day. Yeah, one day...

Seeing as it's your first time, I suggest you just go with a free forum host. I'll save you the trouble and tell you right now that you won't be successful, but that's how it is. Just play around until you have a really good feel for forums and how they work. That way you'll be ready to start a serious forum.

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thanks for your input! THe only problem I see with the free hosts is that they only allow a limited number of messages. Not that I'll be needing alot starting out, but for the future, whats the best way around this???

I don't think there is a single free forum host that limits you to the amount of posts your board gets.

...If that is what you mean.

__________________
-Foxx
Major vBulletin Fan... Nothing Else.
I dream I will own a big-board one day. Yeah, one day...

thanks for your input! THe only problem I see with the free hosts is that they only allow a limited number of messages. Not that I'll be needing alot starting out, but for the future, whats the best way around this???

Oh sweet. I must have read something wrong. Thanks!!1

Yeah, you've got me very confused.

__________________
-Foxx
Major vBulletin Fan... Nothing Else.
I dream I will own a big-board one day. Yeah, one day...

haha...Sorry I posted the same thing twice. I confuse myself. Thanks again for your help.

The amount of posts that you can have depends on how big your posts are and other things.

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