I'm starting to investigate the possibility of starting my own business web site that would include a forum. Does anyone know if there is a web hosting company with reasonable rates that would included decent forum hosting software?

Hi,
Well any host could support forums software. You basically need PHP, MySQL and this is pretty standard among hosts.

Some hosts also offer one click installations of forums, guestbooks, etc.
You would still need to keep your forum updated with the latest patches, etc.

If you chose something like vbulletin (this forum) it is not free and you would purchase a vbulletin license.

Good Luck

Hi DaddyO,

For your convenience, you can look for a web hosting provider which offers Cpanel with Fantastico. Fantastico has all pre-installed scripts, such as PhpBB and SMF forums and many many more. The installation instruction is just few clicks. It's very easy...

Just my two cents

Get SMF instead. PHPBB is just too problematic with all the exploits.

I am running my forum under windows platform and software is SNITZ - very cool and free. My host is gohindi.com - fast support and reliable hosting at affordable rates.