SMF (Simple Machines Forum) is a free, professional grade software package that allows you to set up your own online community within minutes. SMF is written in the popular language PHP and uses a MySQL database.

DATABASE SETUP

For database setup information visit the database creation tutorial.

DOWNLOAD

Download the latest version of SMF from the SMF web site. Extract the file locally to your computer.

CONFIGURATION

No configuration is necessary

UPLOAD

Create a folder under httpdocs called forum. Upload all files to this folder via FTP. Change the permissions as follows:

• attachments - 777
• avatars - 777
• Packages - 777
• Packages/installed.list - 666
• Smileys - 777
• Themes - 777
• agreement.txt - 666
• Settings.php - 666
• Settings_bak.php - 666

SETUP

Run the setup by visiting http://www.example.com/forum/install.php.

Screen 1

Basic Settings

Forum name: Anything you want
Forum URL: autodetected for you. Should be able to leave as is.
Gzip Output: Compress output to save bandwidth. (checked by default)
Database Sessions: Use the database for sessions instead of using files. (checked by default)
UTF-8 Character Set: Use UTF-8 as default character set (check - recommended)
Allow Stat Collection: Allow Simple Machines to Collect Basic Stats Monthly (check if desired)

MySQL Server Settings

MySQL server name: localhost (should work)
MySQL username: database username
MySQL password: database user password
MySQL database name: database name
MySQL table prefix: smf_ (default recommended)

Click Proceed

Screen 2

Create Your Account

Your username: desired username
Password: desired password
Password: repeat desired password
Email Address: your email address

MySQL Database Password

Requires your database password to create an administrator account (security)

Click Finish

SECURITY/CLEANUP

After setup is complete, you will be given the opportunity to remove install.php. Place a checkmark in the checkbox in front of "Click here to delete this install.php file now."

Click the link in the text "Now you can see your newly installed forum and begin to use it."