How can I create my own message board through a hosting companies?

Question:

krazymack

2009-09-15 07:01:13 UTC

I would like to know the answer to two questions: How can I create my own message board and be able to view it through my own domain name/hosting company (i.e. Go Daddy)?

Also, I would like to know can I make private topics on a message board where an admin and single user can access to each of the topics? Like a user or admin can enter a password in a private topic in a message board and can be the only members to access that single topic.

Five answers:

2009-09-15 07:10:13 UTC

You say "my own domain": I assume you have bought a domain AND are renting a server for that domain, something like "www.mydomain.com" and NOT "mydomain.godaddy.com" (which is a SUB-domain of godaddy.com).

In this case, and if you have php and mysql, the answer is yes to both questions, BUT you will have some work to do!

Make sure you have your own "site" set-up, with a home page visible at www.mydomain.com. That's the first step.

If not, you have to create your website first.

Once created, you can add more features.

To allow some people with usernames and passwords, you need to set-up a login system.

To create a message board, you have to write a script.

You can download "miniblog" and "login" scripts from http://www.web2coders.com. They are free.

Download as well Notepad++ to edit these scripts.

Both use Php and Mysql.

Good luck.

2009-09-15 16:36:42 UTC

You need to buy hosting and a domain name.

I recommend one of these http://www.webhostingtable.com

Fatcow is the best value right now.

Their standard price is $88/year

but they have the 50% sale right now.

Disk space: Unlimited

Bandwidth: Unlimited

A Free domain name

Unlimited domains and subdomains

Price: $3.67/month ($44/year)

They're one of the oldest hosting companies, founded 1998, they're also one of the largest, currently hosting about 500,000 websites.

Their hosting plan includes one click install of phpBB (plus some other) message boards from their control panel, so it's really easy to install and set it up. Every message board includes variety of advanced options like admin and user options, private chats and messages, a lot of plugins and customization options.

tekki

2009-09-16 21:30:17 UTC

Yes you can. I used to run a few forums as a hobby. There are plenty of scripts available like phpBB, xmbforums, simple machines, invision boards, Vbulletin (though you have to pay for the last two). They all usually come with installation guides that walk you through step by step. Afterwards you can customize them yourself using "hacks", "plugins", or "widgets".

Out of the ones I mentioned I'd recommended phpBB, its opensource and there are constant updates (plus it's free!)

You want to be careful when purchasing hosting though. I don't really trust anyone that offers "unlimited" hosting since there are tons of strings attached in their policies. I've ended up being warned to purchase a ridiculous server rate after a few months when my sites are tiny.

I'm currently at squarehost.com, they offer enough space or a small or big website in addition to fantastico which can install a bunch of scripts (including phpBB) at the click of a button. Their support is always courteous and timely for a really cheap price. You should give them a try.

David G

2009-09-16 06:38:33 UTC

Godaddy is a good place to register domain names, but many people have some problems with their web hosting services.

As you may know a domain name is just a name, not a real website. If you are going to create your forum website: 1- Buy a domain name. To get a domain name, you have to pay an annual fee to a registrar for the right to use that name. 2- Buy a web hosting service to provide your online space and enable you to get your website online at your purchased domain name.

If you’re going to create a forum site at your own domain without any forced ads, you need a web host providing forum tools (phpbb or vbulletin).

Take a look also at:

http://www.threehosts.com/forum

http://www.threehosts.com/build

And a useful, informative article regarding your question:

http://www.articlesbase.com/web-hosting-articles/how-to-create-a-forum-website-1037410.html

Hope this helps.

Joe

2009-09-15 07:10:36 UTC

You can start by doing some research at the link below. It goes over some of the various software that powers forums. Instructions on how to do everything you want will be included with whatever software you get.

Good luck!

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