new at this

[jackass1203]

hi i want to make a forum and i don't have much knowledge of this. i don't know what i need and i'd like help for this thanks alot.

[Compguy Pete]

the Term "Make a forum" has a lot of different meanings...

1. Do you want to create your own software that has bells and beeps like no one else has.
2. Or are you looking to create a site like this (maybe the same topic or one about something else) by using either a paid or free version of that software.

You're missing a lot of info from your posting other htan the 2 options you have above.
a. Do you have a domain & hosting already.
b. what type of hosting do you have and how much space do you have available on your current hosting if any.
c. if the sites new, whats your plan for making it popular.

[jackass1203]

i'm looking to make a forum like this one. and i don't have a domain or hosting yet that's why i need help i don't know any place to get it.

[NogDog]

Moved this to the forum software forum. (Hmmm...that sort of sounds like the Department of Redundancy Department. ;) )

[NogDog]

Many hosting providers include forum software as part of the hosting package, so you might want to include that as part of your criteria for selecting a hosting service/plan. Alternatively, you could just chose a host that supports the programming language and database system needs of a particular forum software package, which you would then install yourself (for instance, the popular phpBB forum software requires that the host support PHP scripting and MySQL databases). If you do not know something about using such programming languages and databases, then I'd recommend choosing a host that already has forum software installed for you (unless you're in the mood for a challenge and learning experience).

[NogDog]

PS: see the "sticky" post at the top of this forum for LOTS of info on the software choices out there.

[jackass1203]

will i need a domain? because i just got one this.
and i downloaded the phpBB software
http://img345.imageshack.us/img345/5492/untitled5rd.jpg

[JPnyc]

Not necessarily. I mean it's better to have one but you could use free hosting, whether it comes with your ISP acct. or whatever

[jackass1203]

oh how do i get one? i've been searching for domains but not very good when it comes to searching the internet.

[JPnyc]

Just search on domain registrars. Most web hosts also offer domain registration. You don't really need it at this point if you're just starting out. Where will you host the forum?

[jackass1203]

i want to get my own domain. i don't want one of those premade ones.

[jackass1203]

if i get invision does it already come with my own domain?

[JPnyc]

No, you have to register a domain with one of the many registrars out there. godaddy.com is just one of em, there are tons of em.

[jackass1203]

ok i already got my domain now how do i make it into a forum?

[JPnyc]

You rent hosting space from that site, or some other.

[jackass1203]

yea i did but now what do i do to make it look like a forum?

[JPnyc]

I'm sure invision comes with some instruction for uploading the files, etc.

[jackass1203]

invision force?
i'm trying to find tutorials on how to install the php into the website but so far no luck...

[JPnyc]

Ask your page host if they support PHP. If not you'll need another host. you don't install it yourself on a commercial host server, that's their job

[jackass1203]

can you help me find a domain that supports php? that godaddy.com screwed me over it says i don't even have an acc there so i have to search for another place. i'm thinking of just getting the invision force package would i still need to get a domain with that or does that include one?

[jackass1203]

alright i finally got a domain and a hoster the site is www.foreverforbiden.org and i used fantastico to put in the SMF or should i put in phpBB2? and after that can i finally make the forum?