Creating a Simple Forum[New User Friendly]

+ Introduction +
Alright guys, welcome to my second guide. In this guide, I will be going through the process of creating a simple forum using a free forum generator. Please note that this guide isn't going to be going through the top end stuff, just the more simple/needed stuff. Things such as adding new categories, for example. Plus, as I prefer a text based guide (personal thing) it will be mostly text based. However, I will be adding a few screenshots for the less "text-based" users.

+ Step One-Signing Up +
First up, you need to decide what free forum generator/maker you are going to be using. For the purposes of this tutorial, I will be using Forumotion. Forumotion's homepage can be found here. After going here, you need to click on "Create a free forum" located to the middle-right of the page. Once you've done this, choose a theme. When choosing a theme, think of your forum's purpose. For example, there's no point using an PS3 theme if your forum is xBox 360 related. I have chosen "Graphic design Skin".

Select your chosen skin, then click "Continue".

Next, you will see a page which looks like this:



Title of your forum: Choose something sensible and something which describes your forum.

Description: Describe your forum as best possible. This will also help other users find it.

Internet Address of your forum: Type in the address you want; for example 'sample123'. Then, choose the part which comes after the 'sample123.' eg. 'bestdiscussion.net'.

Language used on your forum: Self explanatory.

Hour / Timezone: As above, self explanatory.

Your e-mail address: Make sure this is not a fake one, as it is used to contact you.

Administration password: Make it easy to remember, however not too easy to guess. Or, you could just write it down.

After filling in these fields, read their "Terms of service" and, if you agree with them, 'Tick' the box; "I agree with these terms and conditions." Then click 'Continue'.

Then, just type in the 'Administration password' again to confirm it.

+ Step Two-Editing your Username +
Now it's on to the more fun, yet harder part. But, if you follow these simple steps and guidelines you will be fine. Using the username 'Admin' and the password you chose, sign into the Admin Control Panel. To access your page just follow the link shown after the forum was successfully created.



Then, click on "Admin Panel" which will *most likely be located near the bottom of your page. *Note: This can vary depending on the theme you selected.

First up, as I am assuming you do not want the username of "Admin", we need to change it. To start, click on "Users & Groups" found near the top of the admin control panel. Then, click "Users". Finally, click on "Admin" found on the list (this is because you are the only user at the moment).



Change to what you want it to be. Also, from here you can edit the user's permissions, signatures, settings etc etc.

+ Step Three-Adding Categories +
Go back into the Admin Control Panel home (explained in the earlier steps) and then under "My first steps" it will say "Create your categories and sub-forums". Click on this. Then, you should see something that looks exactly the same as the following image.



Using the "Modify" icons, edit the first categories and sub-forums to what you would like them to be. For example, 'News'. Then, change the permissions to what you want. For example only 'Administrators' are allowed to post new topics. You can then add new categories/sub-forums to what suits you best.

+ Step Four-Adding a Usergroup +
This step can be sort of tricky, as you need to get the usergroup's permissions correct. I mean, you don't want someone to be able to delete members who should only be able to ban them. (Just an example.)

First, starting at the Admin CP home, click on "Users & Groups" and then "Groups". Once you have done the above, simply click "Create new group". After you have done this process, you should see the following screen.



All you have to do is fill in the required fields (boxes) and you're done. Simple. Then, click "Save". Once this is finished, a new screen will load confirming that you have created this group. Then, go back to the Group Admin page and edit their permissions to what you'd like them to be. For example "Is Moderator" of 'News'.

+ Additional Notices +
Well, that concludes my second guide. If there's anything I have missed, or something you don't understand, let me know. Likewise, if there are any errors/areas of improvement, let me know again, I'd love to know. Finally, if you need any help at all, whatever it is, feel free to contact me via Sythe (PM or post) or MSN. My MSN is [email protected]

Thanks for reading! ​

 

Any comments/criticism or advice, anyone?

 

Good guide, very well thought out, suprised people havent spammed this thread for post count already,
Maybe explain how to add Permissions?

Overall good guide

 

I might try this at the weekend, if i do i'll post my feedback, nice guide from what i can see.

 

Thanks.

Okay, if you do, I look forward to it. If you need any Admin help, let me know.