[SOLVED] The build-up of a sort of forum page

[neonJGM]

Hey,

I started this thread in the hopes that someone might be able to help me.
I have to make a let's call it an add-on for an already existing website. This add-on let's you log-in and then let's you create messages and view the messages that you have the privaledge for. The system has about 7 different priveledge levels. And the only messages that you can see are the ones that you are entitled to see. For example if you are a student you can only see the messages that are meant for students and the messages that everyone can see.
I have to use microsoft acces database. And I have to use a program called DWebPro to test if the thing is working.
I already have the login thing working. But now I am literally stuck cause I don't have the faintest clue as to how I can put the next step in to work. I know I have to use SQL, but I don't even know how to start the SQL seeing as how many things I have to take in to account.

If anyone can help me with this, or even a push in the right direction I'd very much apreciate it.

[Ash]

Hi there neonJGM ,
Firstly, welcome to CompuForums. I hope that you can visit our forum often in the future and post - rather than just receiving our help and advice, and then never visiting again. We provide our help for free, and all we ask in return is that you participate in our forum and refer your friends, or consider a premium membership.

Consider integrating phpBB into your project. It's open source and runs on MS-SQL. It's not the best free forum software out there, but it is simple and easy to integrate into existing systems.

[Tom]

Much agreed upon! I also would recommend integrating phpBB (v 2.0.22). I've worked with phpBB a lot and its fairly easy to install, and intergrate MODS. I believe it would meet your needs, just as you just described.

As mentioned by Ash, there are other better Boards, but phpBB is open-source, its free, has a lot of support, and a huge list of MODS. phpBB can be download here: phpBB Downloads

If you need help installing or setting up, let us know, and come back to CompuForums.org with all your questions. We'll help you.

phpBB is written in php and requires mySQL. This is very easy once you begin to play with it and start installing various MODS to meet your needs. The script for log-ins and passwords are already written in the source code, so need need there. You need to web host who runs php script and allows web-mail (SMTP).

DON'T go with any of the "free" hosting providers to install phpBB or what ever. You'll have lots more control over your own "forum" by using a Host such as Yahoo.

[robputt796]

Hello

Welcome to CompuForums.

I recommend two ways of making your own Forum, either use a free forum hosting service such as Forum Hoster - Free PHPBB Forums and WordPress Blogs. Which requires little coding knowledge and no knowledge to set up MySql databases etc. You can be up and running in seconds.

Or you can host your own at a web host with PHP, MySQL at a web hosting company. This will require you to be able to FTP the Forum Software, configure the database and set up the script. Not hard todo but can take some getting used to and reading. This takes in the time span of 10 mins to a few hours depending if you mess up.

Or you could set up your own server with PHP, MySQL, Apache, SendMail etc... Which is more advanced again and is really only for people who are comfortable with the Linux OS and MySQL databases.

[neonJGM]

Thanks, I will definitely try it.

[Tom]

Thread solved. Positive reputation points to all. Cheers !!!