How Easy is it to Set up a Forum?

How easy is it to set up a forum? –asked by B.C.

To install a forum or any script, you normally have to upload the script files to your server, setup a database connection, then follow a series of steps to install (often done via your browser). If you have a web host that offers a cPanel control panel feature, you may be able to install phpBB2 or SMF forums via the Fantastico feature, which eliminates many of the hassles of installation. vBulletin seems to be by far the most popular forum software available.

Installing a forum software script is the easy part. The biggest challenge of forum owners–at least the most time consuming–is keeping regular communication with the forum users who post questions in threads. Moderating a forum can take a great deal of time and commitment.