vBulletin?

[Synergy]

How hard is it to build a simple vBulletin forum. I am considering building one for work only. Needs to only publish shift information, no plans to be a full blown forum.

Any on BB that might work better? Simple machines?

[wildhawker]

For something simple, I'd definitely use an alternative forum or packaged hosted solution, depending on the sensitivity of the info.

VB is great for power forums, but the admin and setup is fairly intensive.

[Synergy]

For something simple, I'd definitely use an alternative forum or packaged hosted solution, depending on the sensitivity of the info.

VB is great for power forums, but the admin and setup is fairly intensive.

I have just bought a domain through GeoVario, I am looking at Simple Machines to start with since it is free. It will be for my agency to start with and if it works, I may expand to other agencies.

Most of the sensitive info can be handled through Private Message or email

[Boristheblade]

Building a forum is pretty easy when you follow the directions. If you have no idea how databases work and .config files it will be tough, but you can do it.

I have used Mybb forums and its pretty good. It doesn't have all the mods VB has, but its free.

VB is nice if you need a lot of customization and want to do a lot.

http://www.mybb.com/

[wildhawker]

Also worth a look is PHPBB http://www.phpbb.com/.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari..._software_(PHP)

[glock_this]

Why not just use a private & free WordPress blog? No reason for full blown VB software.

[NorCal Einstein]

I set up a phpBB forum a long time ago, for what you need I would think that's a better fit than vB. phpBB is also free, where vB isn't (from what I remember).

[wildhawker]

Geovario have a few forum options that are setup with installer scripts:

Forums
* Simple Machines Forum
* Vanilla Forum
* phpBB3 Forum
* BBPress

[dotalchemy]

To be honest, for what you actually need, you'd be better off using SharePoint...

There's a free version (I believe called Windows SharePoint Services).

[jkcerda]

How hard is it to build a simple vBulletin forum. I am considering building one for work only. Needs to only publish shift information, no plans to be a full blown forum.

Any on BB that might work better? Simple machines?

piece of cake.

[Kestryll]

Setting up a vbulletin forum isn't that difficult but for a smaller forum for just a workplace the cost of a vBulletin license is serious overkill.
The Admin'ing of vBulletin is a bit more complex than others and updates aren't as easy as Simple machines for example however VB's strenth comes out when you start getting a lot more members and traffic.
Then there really is no substitute for VB.

For what you're looking at go with an SMF forum and save the VB costs to pay for the server.

[Synergy]

Thanks for the information. I have jumped into this feet first and was able to get a Simple Machines Forum up and running its is being hosted by GeoVario. I could not get it to run through GeoVario's control panel, so I figured it on my own through FTP. I know computers, just not the web aspect. So I am learning as I go. So far it seems to be able to work for my needs.

Once I get it refined and customized I might post the URL...

[chaunbot]

i can make an account for you on my shared hosting. http://wiki.dreamhost.com/Available_One_Click_Installs

That's the list of stuff u can try out with one click PM me if u are interested... I have a pretty cool host.. i can make "unlimited accounts" email domains etc. Let me know if you need anything

[sloane]

If you just want to put up work shifts online try using calendar.google.com

[stix213]

vBulletin costs approx $450 depending on the specific license package you choose. There are less expensive (free as in free beer) options.