What is the best free web-based forum software?

[mosdef]

I want something that mainly looks good and is flexible - but costs nothing.

-mosdef

 

[batchman107]

i've had good experiences with vbulletin lite.

 

[pulpp]

phpBB is pretty good too

 

[Deeko]

I just set up a YaBB board at http://www.ehsvb.f2s.com/yabb/YaBB.cgi, its incredible, its like the UBB only free. I think the URL is http://yabb.xnull.com. Ikonboard(http://www.ikonboard.com is pretty good too, its easier to set up than YaBB, but I don't think it looks as nice(see one at http://www.exetersoccer.isgreat.net

 

[mosdef]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that I have no experience with PHP so I have no idea if my school's server supports it. I can either set up something with CGI or have it hosted remotely. Either way is fine by me; in fact, I'm feeling lazy so hosted remotely sounds good right now .

-mosdef

 

[mosdef]

Technical question - how do I know if I want the CGI version or PL version of YaBB?

-mosdef

 

[Deeko]

AFAIK, there isn't that big of a difference...I'm using the cgi version myself. Probably better to just go with cgi, cause more servers are compatble.