Having used the software since 2003, this reviewer found Simple Machines Forum to be a better choice than its predecessor due to fewer security issues. The application suffers from outdated design and a problematic plug-in methodology that complicates customization.

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KH

Katina H.

Technical Support Analyst

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

6/3/2021

"SMF is the most elegant solution I've used so far."

5/5

What do you like best about Simple Machines?

I first tried using SMF several years ago when I needed to deploy a forum fast for demo purposes.

Trying SMF and some other solutions to choose the best one for intuitive administration, supporting all features they desired, I choose SMF. Everyone loved it!

SMF got awarded with "Best free forum award" in 2009. In my opinion, that should have been news to no one, as it was fully expected.

Installation and configuration are relatively fast and easy, with minimal server and client requirements. SMF has its own package manager for smooth administration. With all that said, it is worth noting that SMF supports the industry security standards.

The features supported are too many to list separately. What really got me at first were the overall smoothness, the language support and the interface.

SMF supports PHP and MySQL/PostgreSQL, Apache, ASpell, user ranking, smileys, email notifications, file upload, user karma, permission profiles, over 45 different languages, themes, mods and customizations, etc. Dedicated tools are available for easy conversion from other forum software to SMF for easy transition.

And the best part is that it is open-source! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Simple Machines?

There had been several twists around licensing through the years. Finally released under the BSD license, SMF is easier to distribute. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Simple Machines:

SMF has been around for some time now. The community forum keeps a huge database of answers to most of the questions that could arise. Check it! If the solution is not there - do not be shy and reach out for help. There are constant new updates on hot topics, reported issues, feature requests, mods and what not. The friendly community is there for you! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Simple Machines solving and how is that benefiting you?

Fast and easy to build and maintain discussion boards and forums several clicks away, requiring almost minimal technical skills from both users and administrators. This combination could have some bad effects in some other universe, but luckily the way SMF is built makes it stable and reliable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

AF

Andrew F.

Founder

Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)

1/28/2019

"SMF is the best forum software ever"

5/5

What do you like best about Simple Machines?

The best parts about SMF is that it is free and open source and very secure. It has many features like premium subscriptions, Access Control Lists (ACL), and great media features. Moderation and Administration is very easy. I use the development version because Its new theme is great Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Simple Machines?

The fact the latest stable version doesn't have Mobile support It would be nice to see the development version see the light of day Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.