Simple Machines Forum

Pros

• Completely free software download.
• Fast processing.
• Lots of customization features.
• Help available via official community forum.

Cons

• A little complicated to set up.
• Some add-ons stop working after software updates.

Simple Machines Forum is a free software program for creating a message board on your own personal Web site. The simple script of the software makes for fast processing. The software can also be integrated with other content management programs.

The software was developed by Simple Machines for Windows 7 users who are looking for a more secure message board script for their Web sites than some of the alternatives out there. The software is also intended to be user friendly, offering a very quick and simple way of setting up a message board, though some users have found it a little difficult to initially set up.

The forum comes with a complete administrative panel that can be used to maintain and monitor sub forums and groups within the main forum. There are also a lot of add-ons available, called Mods, which offer lots of additional features for the forum including: sub-accounts, E-mail templates, Helpdesk, spam filter, chat room options and personal account status updates. Some customizable features for the display include creating your own theme and layout.

The moderator section is easy to use and allows moderators to approve of all types of posts before they go public. Administrators can also easily monitor the signature portions of user's posts.

The software is maintained and updated by a team of professional volunteers who are available for assistance through the official community forum for Simple Machines Forum.

Simple Machines Forum is an all-around great option for an all-purpose forum on any Web site.

Pros

• Completely free software download.
• Fast processing.
• Lots of customization features.
• Help available via official community forum.

Cons

• A little complicated to set up.
• Some add-ons stop working after software updates.