My apologies if this is in the wrong Forum, but I'm unsure as to where to post it. So here it goes, for now.

I'd like to know what Forum and Blogging software use. From phpBB to WordPress. The software has to be free, as I plan on using it for a Forum and Blog and I can't afford software such as IPB or vBulletin (unfortunately).

The Forum software isn't much of a problem. As long as it doesn't have huge exploitations and vulnerabilities. Such as vulnerabilities to passwords, security and spambots getting through (I hate Spreaded Ham Bots!!!).

Blogging Software (such as WordPress) I would prefer if it were one where someone could make an account, and I could setup some space for themselves. So they could make posts in that blog but nobody else could (besides comments to posts, etc). If none exist, then a good Blog with some nice features is fine. As of current, I will most likely use WordPress.

Get a hosting account that has Fantastico on it. Then you will know of heaps and can experience each one for yourself with no cost.

Got one lol. However, I don't want Fantastico's ideas. I want user-reviews. Why? Because, users should know what makes a good forum and blog. Considering you use it.

As of current, I'll either be using phpBB2/3 (forum) and WordPress (blog).

Every Blogging Script Will have vulnerabilities...

Well yes, of course. The bugs aren't the main priority. It's the user-friendlyness, features and support the developer(s) give.

Why not try Joomla and integrate the PHPBB forums in an iFrame?

i suggest the SMF ( simple machine forum ) i think its free, or have a free version...

http://www.simplemachines.org

well, this is what i did when i did not have ANy knowledge in PHP. problem with iframing a forum is that when you get many posts on one page... you need to use a scrollbar to see your forums :/ wich kinda sucks. youll have a little box and your forums will be in it. so overall you have 2 scrollbars :/ forums + site :/

Suggestion :

PHPBB why ? well since phpBB3RC5 is out... Hmmmm the stable release will be SOON very SOON, ive been using phpbb3 for www.allroundelites.com and if you have a bit of knowledge in PHP you can do MILION things... you can do so many things... well use PHPBB as a start than configure it yourself.

PHPBB3 offered me MANY MANY features that i did not find in JOOMLA <--- wich i WOULD NOT suggest... well try it... but seriously i tryed.. took me a week before understandig how to edit a page :/ for PHPBB3 editing design includs 2 files... overall_header.html and overall_footer.html :/ simple Huh ?

security ? well all i know is that PHPBB3 ecrypts the passwords... and when i browse over phpbb forums... i never saw anyone complaining about their phpbb being hacked OR they left the install folder... wich is your fault if you do.

Overall :
please try phpBB3 many features, many ways to configure / modify .... millions of users... + many mods !!!

and no im not trying to sale a product.. just a guy that loves what phpbb3 offered him

(oh and wordpress, VERY good if you are the ONLY USER, and you want to post comments on a special site.) but not good if you want people having acounts... well harder for it ....

Definitely go with phpBB3 rather than 2, but I'd wait for it to go gold which should be very soon. It's so much better than phpbBB2!!!

I've actually used phpBB3 and I like it. I was asking if I should use it, rather than something else, as it's only Release Candidate 5.

As for Joomla!, I don't use it. It sucks and took me bloody forever to learn how to use it as well. A CMS that is (well, was before they were hacked, not they just have their forums atm) used for one of my fave sites was MODx, though I can't see how the heck to edit that either.

IMO, they say Content Management Systems are there to be easier to manage. And in reality, it's total bull. Usually, they're much harder to use than making a site from scratch yourself.

Anyways, thanks for the advice guys. I'll probably use phpBB3 for the Forum. Now for a Blog,

for my blog, i use blogger. it is easy to use but it is hosted online (there is an option to host it yourself).
the only downside is that the customisation is a bit hard.

I use PHPBB3 for my Senses Fail Fan site

Live Demo: http://sfpirates.net

I love PHPBB3, i could go on and on all day about how much it rox, but that would make me only a fanboy.

and for blogging i do use WordPress.
no problems with wordpress what so ever, the perfect blogging software to my eyes.

and both can be modded to hell so you can always beef up its security if needed.

ALSO... Rocketwerx are making a PHPBB3 and Joomla bridge as we speak...

UPDATE: found URL for bridge;
http://www.rocketwerx.com/joomla/extension...kbridge-phpbb3/