Best Forum Software Sites of 2016 (Free & Premium)

Forums are a great way to build a community website around a theme, create a support tool around a product or service, or add an extension to your existing site so your visitors can interact with each other. Selecting the right forum software is an important first step in making sure your forum will be able successful as possible. You'l want to find a software package that combines stability, security, usability, and flexibility. To help you get started, below is a list of the best forum software.

We all know that forum software are a necessity when venturing out in the wide vast world of internet and keeping in mind the importance of online forum software today we have gathered some best free forum software and paid forum software for you.

phpBB (Free)

If you are looking for the #1 free open source bulletin board software then phpBB is the perfect forum software choice for you. phpBB is one of the best online forum software which comes with a bulletin board format. Using this best forum software, you can stay on top of everything that is happening across your website as well as communicate with a group of people at the same time.

vBulletin (Paid)

Undoubtedly, vBulletin is the most renowned and the world’s leading community software developed by vBulletin Solutions, Inc. and released in 2000. vBulletin is a premium online forum software which is the choice of several top- notch websites.

There are several built- in applications that come with this discussion forum software, such as events management, groups, photo albums, blogs, polls, calendars and so on. vBulletin is available in 3 different versions: Mobile Suite, Forum Suite as well as Publishing Suite.

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Some of the most important features of vBulletin forum software are: Unlimited Hierarchy of Forums, Thread and forum subscription, Supports BB Code in posts, Supports HTML in post, Preview post option, Member Profile Pages, Private Messaging, Custom Avatars, Unlimited Moderators and SuperModerators, forum style chooser, Task Scheduler, Moderation queues for user registration and posting, Powerful Templating System, Full CSS layout and design, fast and suitable for robust development, and much more things.

Vanilla Forums

Vanilla gives facilitated and open source group best forum software that powers examination forums. It permits you to make a tweaked group that compensates positive investment, consequently ministers substance and gives individuals a chance to drive balance.

bbPress Forums

This software is particularly for WordPress engineers. In the event that you basically loathe your moderate notice board or your server gets hacked, then this software is unquestionably what you require. It brags web gauges, convenience, simplicity of joining, and speed. Utilizing and administrating it is truly simple, as it is entirely spotless and fast. The best thing about this one is that it is exceptionally adjustable; and it gives due thoughtfulness regarding clients and puts them first.

Some of the eye catching features of bbPress forum software are:

• Simple Setup: Simple Setup Easy to setup. Easy to moderate. Fast, and clean.

• Fully Integrated: One central account. One unified admin area. One click install.

• Single Installation: Simple step-by-step installation walks you through your options.

• Multisite Forums: Divide your site into sections. Allow your users to create content.

• Fast and light: Code are lean so that you get the best experience possible.

• Simple interface: Always keep things simple and make things intuitive.

• Highly extensible: bbPress can’t toast your bagels, but a plugin for it sure could!

• Spam protection: Full Akismet support built in offering you an amazing weapon against spam.

• Customizable templates: Not everybody likes the same pair of pants, so we allow you to dress up your forums however you like.

miniBB Forums

miniBB is a free, standalone, and open source program for building your own Internet forum. The PHP announcement board script offers you a simple and stable message board that incorporates a full customization of the format to the look of your site, and synchronizes your current participation framework.

Simple Machines Forums

Simple machines forums (SMF) is a free however it can give an expert touch to any forum. It permits setting up your online group rapidly. It gives uniquely designed format motor with the goal that you can pick the lay-out of your message board. It has an incredible SSI capacity, and this lets your forum and site interface with each other. SMF is exceedingly adjustable so you can alter in any capacity you need. Utilizing custom topics from a rundown of additionally conceivable with the goal that you can change the look of your site. It additionally has a stunning bolster, so in the event that you experience any issue, you can simply request help.

This forum software is written in PHP and its database is created using MySQL. All features expected from a bulletin board are a part of SMF. In easy words, Simple Machines Forum is elegant elegant, effective and powerful free online forum software which is well known for following attractive features of SMF:

• Advanced permission and user management.
• Supports multiple languages at once.
• Tracking of new and old unread topics, not just from your last visit.
• Better SEO (Search Engine Optimization for search engines.
• Package manager that automatically installs or uninstalls mods.
• Major actions are time and IP locked, preventing ‘hammering’.
• Put a board into maintenance mode, allowing only admins to login.
• Create child boards under other boards.
• Allow certain member groups to access a board, including guests only.
• Configure permissions for each membergroup on the board level.
• Disable member registration completely.
• Require email authentication by sending an authentication link.
• Both cookie and session based authentication.
• Tracking of topics, messages, new members, and hits per day.
• Ability to create announcement boards.
• Ability to choose sendmail or SMTP.
• Ban members based on their username, email address, IP address or hostname
• Support for WAP, WAP2 and I-mode protocols.
• Members can choose which smiley set they wish to use (or none.)
• “Insert Quote” feature on posting screen to quickly quote previous replies.

XenForo

Modern, sleek, very stable. Extremely easy install process, and continued, growing support of the product.M+6

One of the forums I used changed from vBulletin to XenForo a year or so back. Its like night-and-day, a huge improvement in productivity for regular posters and enjoyment by members. Very slickM+7

Just fantastic, fast easy to use and really gone forward with the most important features you want for a forum.M+2

Fast and easy to use

 ZetaBoards (Free)

Do you want to create a free forum with no limit on posts or members? If yes, you must try out ZetaBoards Free Forum Hosting software. ZetaBoards is also one of the top 10 best forum software 2016 which offers free forum hosting which is crucial for the growth of any website on the internet. It doesn’t limit the forum communities by members, posts or bandwidth.

ZetaBoards free forum software is quite user friendly and extraordinarly easy to use. Joinable groups, full customization, support for custom domains, custom profile fields and pinned topics are some of the noticeable features of Zetaboards. If you are are really interested in getting an amzing online forum software that allows maximum level of customizations then download ZetaBoards right now and start using it.

IP. Board (Paid)

For creating an engaging and effortful discussion forum on the web, IP.Board is yet another best forum software that you can use for your website. There are comprehensive tools which are a part of this premium forum software. It will certainly encourage the visitors in coming back to your website. Users can also promote and share the content present on your website using IP.Board.

Powerful solution. Is not free, but you can have the license included free with an Invision Power (the guys who made the program) hosting account starting at $5 a month. The nice this about having them host it is that the handle the installation and upgrades so you don't have to worry about it.

M+15

Customizable an user friendly.

M+8

The best and easiest Bulletin Board to use.

PunBB (Free)

PunBB is yet another best free forum software which is powered by lightweight PHP and released under the GNU General Public License. This online discussion forum software is created with the goal of being lighter, faster, and less graphically intensive. There are very few basic features in PunBB as compared to others in this list. However, it is also comparatively faster and provides smaller outputs which are XHTML complaint pages and are also semantically accurate.

Woltlab Burning Board (Paid)

WoltLab Burning Boards is another best forum software which is fast and reliable in nature. Basically, Woltlab Burning Board is a PHP based forum software, developed since may 2001 by an German company, WoltLab GmbH. Installing and running Woltlab Burning Board software requires a server or webspace with PHP support and a MySQL database (System Requirements: PHP 5.3.2+, MySQL 5.1.17+).

Woltlab Burning Board comes with 3 premium versions: Burning Board, Burning Board Lite and Community Framework, all of which are helpful in expanding your online user base. Some of the most interesting features in Woltlab Burning Board forum software are:

• Quick Notifications
• Visual Customization
• Recent Activities ditection
• Search Engine Optimization
• Facebook Integration
• State-of-the-art Technology
• Multilingualism
• Extensible with Plugins
• First-class Security
• Against Spam
• Import From Other Systems

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The Best Tech Tools, Apps & Gear

Physical Gear

Although this is a list of my digital toolbox, we start with some physical items. We do live in the real world after all! Here is a list of computers, smartphones, gadgets, coffee and other stuff.

• Dell Studio 1749 Laptop (17″) with Windows 10. Getting a bit old now (nearly 6 years) but it has served me well.we considering buying a Macbook pro when the next one comes out, but if you are looking for a decent PC, definitely recommend Dells.
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• Google Nexus 6P smartphone (128Gb) with Speck Candyshell grip case
• Crumpler Chester Stallion laptop bag (discontinued now, but  highly recommend Crumpler bags)
• Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100 Camera
• Logictech C920 Webcam
• Blue Yeti USB Microphone (a really nice quality mic for the money)
• Razer BlackWidow Chroma Clicky Mechanical Keyboard (a wonderful keyboard to type on despite technically being a gaming keyboard)
• Sennheiser HD 380 Pro Headphones, Panasonic earphones & splitter.
• EasyAcc 20,000mAh USB battery pack ( phone has a decent battery, but It can charge multiple devices on the go with this)
• Samsung M3 Portable External Hard Drive (1Tb) (because backing up is vital!)
• Doxie Go portable scanner
• ScotteVest RFID Travel Vest – Pockets for all your gadgets, very comfortable, RFID pocket for your passport and cards. Great for going through Airport security.
• Field Notes (Expedition Edition) – Great little notebooks that are very durable (waterproof, flame-resistant and tear proof). Great for jotting down ideas on the move.
• Pact Coffee (UK only) – Freshly roasted coffee beans for your preferred brewing method. Pact sends you freshly roasted coffee beans (or ground if you prefer) for your brewing method (French press, cafetiere or Aeropress)
• AeroPress – For a smooth coffee experience

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Desktop Apps

Although as a Windows user, most of the following are available for Mac users too.

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Mainly for Photoshop. I use Dreamweaver a little if we have to and Acrobat)
• OBS Studio or Wirecast for Facebook Live streaming.
• Camtasia (Great to record professional screencasts)
• Evernote
• PHP Storm (only just started using it- very poweful)
• Sublime Text
• NotePad++
• Ninite (keeps most of your apps up to date)
• f.lux (give your eyes a rest and sleep better with this night time filter)
• Spinrite Disk Maintenance
• Microsoft Office

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Productivity Apps

• Brain.fm (usually into listening to music while we work as we find it too distracting, but brain.fm really works for me. You can choose different soundtracks for relaxed and focussed work)
• SimplyNoise – If we working in a noisy coffee shop, then white or brown noise is great at blocking out all the noise and not as distracting as music.
• RescueTime – tracks your productivity on your computer, browser and smartphone. Gives you a weekly report.

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Mobile Apps

As Android user, but most of these apps are available for iOS or at least there are alternatives. Do let me know if you have found an alternative for iOS in the comments.

• Standard Social Networking Apps: Twitter, Facebook (inc Groups, Messenger, Page Manager, Adverts), Google+, Instagram,LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat
• Social Management: Buffer & AgoraPulse
• Questions & Answers: Quora & Jelly
• Twitter apps: Vine, Periscope
• Apps for Instagram: Boomarang, Repost, Latergramme, Layout
• Listening: Pocket Casts, Audible
• Watching: YouTube, Netflix, Unified Remote, Google Play Movies & Chromecast
• Reading: Feedly, Amazon Kindle, Evernote, Bible
• Note Taking: Cogi, Google Keep, Evernote
• Security: LastPass, Google Authenticator, Private Internet Access VPN
• Project Management: Basecamp, Trello & Harvest time tracking software
• Phone & Voicemail: MightyText & HulloMail
• Chat: Skype, Appear.in, Slack
• Synching & Back up: Dropbox, Google Drive
• Web Management: Google Analytics, Pingdom, WHMApp
• Productivity: TellMeTheTime, ClearFocus, SimplyNoise
• Cool Stuff: IFTTT, Tasker, Trigger
• Life: Sleep as Android, Google Fit, HabitBull, RunKeeper, Twilight
• Video: Microsoft Hyperlapse

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Social Media Management Tools

Social Media Management Tools try and help you with all aspects of managing social media accounts – not just publishing/scheduling, but help with engagement, reporting and analytics. we included TweetDeck in this list mainly because it allows to manage multiple Twitter accounts. use TweetChat occasionally to help with Twitter Chats.

• AgoraPulse – for engagement, reporting and community management
• TweetDeck
• TweetChat

Alternatives: SproutSocial & Jollor

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Publishing & Scheduling

Although social media management tools should have a very robust publishing platform, we prefer to use separate apps in system for publishing and scheduling.

• Buffer
• Meet Edgar
• Friends+Me
• Tailwind
• MissingLettr
• Post Planner

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Follower Management & Community

Growing your audience and followers takes time and effort. we don’t believe in buying followers! we use the following tools to help me segment my followers or find new targeted people who are likely to engage with me.

• ManageFlitter
• Commun.it
• Circloscope
• AgoraPulse
• Do You Even List

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Reporting & Analytics

How do you optimise your content or give some feedback or reports on how successfully you’ve been with your social media and content marketing? use these tools to help with that!

• Buzzsumo
• Tailwind
• AgoraPulse
• Klout
• Klear
• SoTrender
• Iconosquare
• Native social analytics: Twitter, Facebook Insights & Pinterest Analytics

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Alerts & Monitoring

Sometimes you want to be alerted when someone links to you or mentions you or there is a potential issue you need to deal with. Perhaps it is a new opportunity. use the following tools to help with this.

• Mention
• Buzzsumo
• SEMRush
• Brandwatch
• Twools (used with IFTTT or Zapier)

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Marketing Software

Attracting new leads, helping with managing list and sending newsletters out, creating surveys, free videos and lead generation tools are all important in my marketing process.  use the following tools as part of this:

• Active Campaign
• Optin Monster
• Vimeo
• Survey Monkey
• Google Forms

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Automation

These are magic tools that automate a lot of potentially repetitive tasks. we don’t believe in automating engagement, but these tools can do some amazing things to turbo boost your productivity

• IFTTT
• Zapier
• dlvr.it

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Project Management

To help manage projects for our clients or with the booking process or with a mastermind group use the following tools.

• Trello
• Basecamp
• Google Docs
• ScheduleOnce
• Slack

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Research, Content Marketing & Amplification

The world of social media, marketing and technology is very fast moving and it’s very difficult to keep up. Using tools to help to find and contain the latest articles is so useful. Also use tools to help with my blogging process, taking notes, doing research and to help with amplification of my blog posts.

• Feedly
• Evernote
• Buzzsumo
• Triberr
• ViralWoot
• StumbleUpon and StumbleUpon Paid Discovery

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SEO & Web Analytics

Google Analytics is an amazingly powerful tool. However there are other tools that can help you get the most out of understanding your analytics as well as with SEO. These are the tools.

• SEMRush
• LongTail Pro
• QuillEngage
• Google Analytics, Search Console & Tag Manager
• HotJar

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Images & Design

Images and design have always been important, but with visual networks such as Pinterest and Instagram becoming ever more popular, good design is vital.

• Canva
• Relay
• Pexels
• TinyPNG
• Awesome Screenshot

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Security

Using strong passwords as well as managing them effectively and storing them securely is vital. we also use a Virtual Private Network service if we ever find having to use a public WiFi hotspot- so that my connection and data is secure.

• VPN: Private Internet Access
• Password Management: LastPass

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Browser Extensions

Where would we be without browser extensions. The following are for Google Chrome, but most are also available for Firefox.

• Awesome Screenshot – The best screenshot extension found. You can take a screenshot of the visible browser screen or the entire page. You can also take a shot of a selectable area and take a delayed screenshot. Once taken, you can add text, arrows and other callouts.
• Grammarly – state of the art spelling and grammar checker.
• Video Speed Controller (although you can speed up YouTube videos, you can’t normally speed up videos on Wistia, Vimeo and other videos. This extension allows you to speed up any HTML5 video so that you can get through more content)
• Measureit – measure the dimension of certain elements on webpages.
• ColorPick Eyedropper – get the hexcode of colours on the screen.
• What Font – like a font on a web page? This extension shows you which font was used on elements on a web page.
• uBlock Origin – great believer in supporting content providers. Unfortunately ads can get out of hand, and  seen some malicious ads try and infect my machine. uBlock Origin is an Ad Block on steroids and can speed up your browsing significantly.
• The Great Suspender – I love the Chrome browser, but it can get very slow, especially if you have a lot of tabs open. This extension suspens tabs after a period of time. You can reload tabs easily and even add certain websites to a whitelist so they never get suspended.
• Klout – Adds Klout scores to Twitter usernames.
• gorgias – smart email templates for GMail. GMail does have canned responses, but gorgias allows you to organise into a library. It can paste in first names and other smart data and you can use keyboard shortcuts.
• Web App Extensions: Buzzsumo, MightyText, Buffer, Edgar & LastPass

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Podcasting & Video

love video and love podcasts. Whenever  creating video, in a group chat or being a guest on a podcast,  use some of the following websites.

• Wistia & YouTube
• Periscope
• Blab
• Audacity
• Pamela
• Blab, Skype, Appear.in & Google Hangouts

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Web Hosting

Small web agency, Select Performers, where we manage and host customers websites.

• Cloud Server from Clook Internet (managed by Select Performers)
• Clook CDN
• Alternatives: FlyWheel WordPress hosting

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Security & Speed

• Pingdom
• InfiniteWP
• iThemes Security Pro
• Sucuri
• CloudFlare

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WordPress Development & Management

• InfiniteWP
• Beaver Builder
• Resizer (Displaying & testing your responsive website across desktops, tablets and smartphones)

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WordPress plugins

Here are some of the main plugins use on  site as well as many of customer’s websites.

• Social Warfare
• Postmatic
• iThemes Security Pro
• Yoast SEO Premium
• Thirsty Affiliates
• WP Migrate DB Pro
• WP-SpamShield
• WP Total Cache
• EWWW Image Opimizer
• Types
• Gravity Forms
• Video User Manuals
• White Label CMS

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WordPress Themes

used and would recommend the following themes:

• Sage
• Thrive
• WooThemes
• Genesis Framework from StudioPress

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Backup & Cloud Storage

How often do you back up your data?

• SpiderOak
• Google Drive
• Dropbox

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Hacks & Scripts

• Twools
• My own scripts

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Currently Investigating

always on the look out for new tools and gear. Here are ones currently testing. don’t recommend them, but they look cool!

• Active Campaign
• Asana
• Toggl
• HelloSign
• PiktoChart
• Slick Sitemap
• Slickplan
• invision
• Process Street
• Xero and FreeAgent

Original Post :http://iag.me/socialmedia/my-digital-toolbox/

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