best forum software

Here are my notes from the webpage:

• Reddit post from 10 months ago asking for recommendations for improving the Windows 11 experience.
• 36 points for the post.
• Recommendations include third-party applications and tweaks to customize Windows 11.
• User recommendations:
  • ExplorerPatcher
  • Open Shell
  • StartAllBack/Start11 (Paid)
  • Mica For Everyone
  • AccentColorizer
  • RoundedTB
  • TransparentTB
  • Visum Photo Viewer (Optional)
  • AutoDarkMode
  • Lively Wallpaper
  • Live Tiles Anywhere (Optional)
  • Rainmeter
  • WinAeroTweaker
  • O&O ShutUp10 and O&O AppBuster
• One user recommends uninstalling Cortana and disabling online searches to improve system search speed.
• Another user recommends using PowerToys Run instead of the default Windows search bar for responsive searches.
• Remove unwanted folders from “This PC” and set indexing to “Advanced” in the system search options for faster and more accurate search results.
• Remove Optional Features you don’t use to free up system resources.
• AccentColorizer - applies accent colors to win32 UI elements for a personalized experience.
• Winaero Tweaker - provides a GUI for modifying registry keys.
• ShareX and AutoDarkMode recommendations.
• Rectify11 Dark theme, MicaForEveryone, ExplorerPatcher, RoundedTB, TransparentTB, Visum, AutoDarkMode, AccentColoriser, Lively Wallpaper, and Live Tiles Anywhere recommended for a more modern desktop.
• Some fun personalization apps recommended:
  • Powertools
  • RoundedTB (taskbar -> dock)
  • Searchx
  • Lively wallpaper (animated wallpapers)
  • WinDynamicDesk (like MacOS)
  • Auto dark mode
  • Fluent flyouts battery (preview)
  • ModernFlyouts (preview)
• Rainmeter can be used to find tons of skins to customize the look of the desktop.
• RoundedTB can round or dock the taskbar.
• TransparentTB can change the opacity of the taskbar.
• Windows 10 installer jokingly mentioned by one user.
• Some users find online searches helpful while others prefer using a browser.
• Basic personalization tweaks can make Windows 11 look more pleasing to the individual’s eye.

• A Reddit user made a list of third-party apps to enhance the Windows 10/11 experience.
• The list includes various apps for navigation, volume control, media controls, performance profiles, and more.
• Some of the apps on the list are labeled as alternatives to Windows 11 features that were removed or changed.
• One Commander is recommended as a default explorer, with miller column navigation.
• Files (Windows 11-esque design) is an alternative explorer app, but may be unreliable.
• MSEdgeRedirect is recommended for fixing issues with Edge not following the default browser choice, with Vivaldi being a preferred choice for a browser.
• Ear trumpet is recommended for better app-based volume control and audio i/o handling.
• ModernFlyouts is recommended for media controls and more, replacing the Windows 8 era relic.
• Battery mode is recommended for controlling different performance profiles and desktop monitor brightness control, with Twinkletray as an alternative for multi-monitor brightness control.
• ElevenClock is recommended for showing clocks on secondary taskbars, with T-Clock being another option for enhancing clocks and calendars on taskbars.
• DisplayFusion is recommended for multi-monitor customization of taskbars, title-bars, etc.
• Peace and Equalizer APO, are recommended for tuning headphones and other audio devices.
• PowerToys Run is recommended for quicker search access and more, while TrafficMonitor is recommended for monitoring speed and more on Windows 11, with XMeters as an option for monitoring on Windows 10.
• Snipaste is recommended as an alternative to the in-built screenshot tool, with ShareX as another comprehensive tool for screen capturing, recording, and more.
• AutoHotkey is recommended for automation scripting on Windows.
• TaskbarX is recommended for personalizing the taskbar, with RoundedTB as an option for visual customization.
• Fences by Stardock is recommended for organizing the desktop.
• Start11 and StartAllBack are recommended for replacing the start menu, with ExplorerPatcher offering an alternative for classic taskbar and right-click menu.
• Windows Auto Dark Mode is recommended for automatically switching between light and dark modes.
• Rainmeter is recommended for full-blown interface customization.
• ThisIsWin11 is recommended for setting up Windows 11 and a few tweaks.
• WinAeroTweaker is recommended for tweaking settings, particularly for classic taskbar, but may have compatibility issues with other apps.
• RetroBar is another option for getting classic taskbar functionality.

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• Website: https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows11/comments/zkva3o/tell_me_about_your_musthave_first_and_thirdparty/
• The webpage is a Reddit thread on Windows 11.
• The discussion is about sharing must-have apps for Windows 11.
• Users are requested to suggest all kinds of apps without any restrictions.
• The apps can either be free or premium.
• Users have mentioned several apps that they find useful, including PowerToys, Auto Dark Mode, Twinkle Tray, QuickLook, Windows Terminal, NanaZip, United Sets, Directory Opus, Double Commander.
• The users also discuss various personalization apps, including Wallpaper Engine, Dynamic Theme, and StartAllBack.
• Many of the apps mentioned provide customization options, and a few of them mentioned include Winaero Tweaker, Notepad3, HiBitUninstaller, System Informer, 2fast – Two Factor Authenticator, Windows Repair Toolbox, Psiphon, NirLauncher, SideSlide, Directory Compare, Core Temp, Open Hardware Monitor, KeePass, and SUMo.
• Some users have also suggested various apps for monitoring system performance and other essential tasks, including Everything Voidtool, Monitorian, Start11, EarTrumpet, ShareX, Cider, and Fluent Reader.
• Some users have expressed their concerns about Windows 11’s user interface, and they have shared the apps that can help in modifying the UI to their liking, such as ExplorerPatcher, Classic Start, and StartAllBack.
• Many users have emphasized how the popularity of Windows 11 should not limit one’s choices, and users should explore different options and software that best suits their needs.
• The website is a good starting point to look for useful apps for Windows 11 users.

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• Reddit thread from 11 years ago titled “Best forum software? In your opinion?” on the r/webdev subreddit.
• Original post mentions Xenforo as top forum software but notes it is pricey.
• Vanilla was recommended as a simple option by one user with 9 karma.
  • Another user commented with 2 karma to express agreement with Vanilla recommendation.
• Simple Machines Forum (SMF) was recommended by one user with 3 karma.
  • User with 2 karma commented wishing the creators would open source the code.
    • Another user with 1 karma responded that SMF is open source and under the BSD license.
  • Another user recommended MyBB with 3 karma, noting MyBB’s simplicity and ease of customization for themes and plugins.
    • Another user with 1 karma responded with agreement for MyBB, stating that they won’t use any other software.
• phpBB was recommended by one user with 4 karma, touting its features and add-ons for customization.
  • A user with -4 karma shared a link to a post explaining 10 reasons why phpBB3 sucks.
    • Another user with 2 karma responded, saying the negative post referred to phpBB3 in 2008 and that many of the criticisms have been addressed. Said that phpBB is probably best for most people’s needs despite its flaws.
• PunBB was recommended by one user with 3 karma for its simplicity and quality.
• Invision Power Board (IPB) was also recommended by one user with 1 karma, describing it as having plugins for every need.
• One user with 4 karma liked vBulletin because of the familiar admin CP and Ajax features.
  • Another user with 1 karma preferred open-source software, so they did not like that vBulletin requires a license.
• Another user with 2 karma recommended MyBB, stating that it has a management feel similar to WordPress.
• One user with 1 karma mentioned using IPB since 2005 and noting that there is nothing they dislike about it.

Note: All karma references are from 11 years ago and may have changed since the post was originally created.

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• The webpage provides a list of 9 best forum software options to create an online community.
• The list includes both paid and free options for forum software.
• Each option includes a brief description of its features, capabilities, and pricing.
• The first option is vBulletin, which is a premium forum software known for its sophistication and quick set-up. It has SEO and security features, mobile-ready out-of-the-box, and straightforward administration options. The cost is $249 for self-hosting or $15 per month for hosting on vBulletin’s cloud servers.
• Discourse is a popular free and open-source option that has a lot of useful features and integrations. It has a ranking system to distinguish users and moderate spam. Discourse is known for its many useful integrations with software and apps such as Zapier, Zendesk, and GitHub. It can be self-hosted or managed hosting starting from $25 per month.
• PhpBB is one of the oldest and free self-hosted forum software options. It has all the basic features needed for forum software, including security, anti-spam, and caching capabilities. It also supports plugins to add more features. PhpBB is known for its robust private messaging system that’s compared to email and has the ability to add attachments and view messages in conversation mode. It has a responsive design that works well on mobile devices.
• Simple Machines Forum (SMF) is an open-source forum software option with all the basic features expected of forum software. Its UI is clean and professional, and its advanced package manager makes it easy to apply modifications. SMF has advanced permission and user management settings, and it’s designed for optimal performance and scalability.
• XenForo is a self-hosted premium forum software best suited for businesses. It uses gamification to increase user engagement, has a sleek UI, and built-in SEO optimization. XenForo has over 2,000 add-ons ranging from gamification to administration and search capabilities such as ElasticSearch software.
• MyBB is an open-source forum software option best suited for businesses that need an elegant, cost-effective forum program. It has a stunningly elegant and professional layout and a strong community behind it that has translated it into over 30 languages. It also has all the basic forum features needed and hundreds of free plugins and themes to extend its capabilities.
• Flarum is a new open-source forum software focused on user experience. Despite still being in beta testing, Flarum is a professional and elegant solution with unique features such as a

Here are my notes on the webpage “12 Best Forum Software to Build an Online Community in 2023” -

• The article presents a list of 12 best forum software solutions, with brief descriptions of each.
• The list includes the following forum software:
  1. phpBB
  2. MyBB
  3. Vanilla Forums
  4. WordPress
  5. Joomla!
  6. Drupal
  7. Simple Machines Forum
  8. BuddyBoss
  9. FluxBB
  10. Codoforum
  11. Discourse
  12. Flarum.
• The article notes that online forums enable users to engage with their target audience and nurture communication with different communities.
• Forum platforms allow users to market their products and services to a broader audience.
• The article discusses what makes a great forum software.
• The top forum software on the list is phpBB, which offers hundreds of free extensions to add new functions to the forum. It has a responsive-ready design, a theme system, and plenty of options for customization.
• Other free forum software with active communities that made the list include MyBB, Vanilla Forums, Simple Machines Forum, FluxBB, and Codoforum.
• BuddyBoss is a premium WordPress plugin that allows users to create online communities on their websites, including engagement features like online forums and private groups.
• For users looking to create a knowledge base of written content surrounding users’ products, Vanilla Forums provides a built-in knowledge base feature.
• WordPress and Joomla! are top picks for those wanting to set up a regular website and a forum side-by-side. WordPress offers the largest collection of themes and plugins on the web, while Joomla! provides more control over your projects out-of-the-box, especially if paired with Joomla web hosting.
• Drupal is one of the most powerful CMS platforms available, although it also has a steep learning curve. The platform offers a solid collection of modules and themes to customize your experience.
• Discourse is one of the newest forum software and includes features such as user trust systems, optimised mobile experience and keyboard shortcuts.
• Flarum is another modern forum software with free and paid plugins available.
• The article concludes by recommending phpBB for the most customizable forum software and BuddyBoss for course-specific community forums.
• Features of forums mentioned include the ability to create message boards, enable user registration, moderation, gamification, best of sections, post autosaving, user-reputation systems,

• Logitech Options+ is a free-to-use app that aims to customize the user’s experience with Logitech mice and keyboards.
• The app is a beta version and supports Windows 10 and macOS 10.15 and 11.
• Users can customize every aspect of their devices to suit their needs, workflows, and preferences.
• The app combines the best of the current Options software with a newly redesigned, intuitive interface.
• There are some essential features that were removed which leaves scope for the user to provide feedback.
• Negative feedbacks include the software requiring high resource consumption and being somewhat buggy.
• Logitech Options+ is written using Electron framework which could be one of the reasons why the app is resource-intensive.
• Users can share their feedback using the “Feedback” tab provided in the app.
• Users are also encouraged to email the Logitech team for any issues with the app.
• Users can find a list of Logitech hardware compatible with Logitech Options+ on their website.
• Logitech Options+ supports Logitech MX Master 2s and K860.
• Logitech Options+ allows users to import settings from Logitech Options into Options+.
• Users can sync their settings across device with the support of Logitech flow.
• The Logitech Firmware Updater is a separate app which users require to update their firmware.
• Reprogramming a Unifying Remote requires a separate app different from Logitech Options+.
• Logitech G Pro Wireless requires the user to download the G Hub which could be problematic.
• The current version of Logitech Options+ may not be very useful for users with hardware that is not supported.
• Logitech Options+ requires MacOS permission for input monitoring from any application while updating the firmware.
• Installation of the app does not provide any graceful way to switch to using a cable besides quitting and re-launching the firmware updater.
• Logitech Options+ removed the “open website” feature completely.

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