What is the best free forum software?

5 posts · originally from https://geek.digit.in/community/threads/what-is-the-best-free-forum-software.154271/

What is the best free forum software? I am using Vanilla forums at present.
Also suggest me a easily customizable forum software. Customizable in the sense, I should be able to change the theme and put ads in locations I want.

I also I want a CMS software. Though CMS made simple is easy for a normal website. I want to add a comment box and a login option. So that logged users can comment on my articles. I am finding difficult to set it up. So suggest me some where I can easily add a comment box and login option.

Forum: MyBB or SMF if you want a full-fledged forum. If you want a very basic forum, then FluxBB or punBB. Stay away from phpBB - lot of people are going to recommend phpBB to you, but stay away from it.

CMS: Wordpress or Drupal.

Forum - SMF, MyBB

CMS - Joomla, Wordpress

I have used drupal and found it pretty easy to learn if a little guidance is available.

Joomla Dashboard is a bit confusing. I installed Drupal at present for testing in WAMP SERVER. After installing Theme editor module for Drupal, I am getting an error saying "Private" folder is not set. I am not able to correct it. Can someone help be.

And thank you all for your reply. I am moving to SMF now as per your seggestion/