SMF stands for Simple Machines Forum and it is a free community forum software. SMF is open-source, it is written in PHP and uses MySQL. Currently other databases are not supported, but MySQL is perfect for SMF anyway and most hosts support MySQL. All FreeHostia web hosting plans have PHP and MySQL support so SMF runs on our servers without a problem.

SMF is a fully featured forum, with a great template system that gives you full control over the layout. It could also has an SSI system that allows the forum to be easily integrated with an existing web site. Like phpBB2, SMF allows you to install MODs – modifications, which extend the functionality of the forum. Installing new modifications is made easy with an integrated package manager that automatically installs and uninstalls modifications, so unlike phpBB2 MODs no actual code modifications are made manually.

An interesting feature is the tracking of not only new unread posts but also unread posts, which is not present in phpBB2. User and group permissions can be set from the intuitive admin panel of SMF.

You can get SMF installed in your FreeHostia web hosting account by using the Elefante Installer – our integrated 1-click installer, which is available with every hosting plan, including the free hosting plan.

If you don’t have an account with FreeHostia yet, you can get SMF pre-installed when signing up by selecting it from the pre-installed scripts drop-down menu on the signup form.

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