How to create a medical forum?

Question

I'd like to create a forum for my university. Can someone tell me where to start, what software should I use and what websites ? I have no experience in this but I learn fast.

Thanks, Christian

Answer 1

Basically, there are two approaches to create a forum:

1. Use a service/website that creates a forum for you. There are many websites that offer free forum creation and hosting. You just need to create the forum layout (like board names, sections etc.). Some examples are:
   http://www.freeforums.org/
   http://www.forumbuild.com/
   http://www.forumotion.com/
   http://www.conforums.com/index.html
   http://www.forumatic.com/
   
2. Setup your own forum using a typical web server setup (Linux/Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP) and a forum engine (like phpBB, Invision etc.). Few examples are:
   http://www.phpbb.com/
   http://www.quicksilverforums.com/
   http://www.invisionpower.com/

Answer 2

If you don't have to host the forum yourself, I'd suggest taking a look at this question

Answer 3

Well, assuming you have a server, with a suitable database available, most forum software these days is suprisingly easy to install. I tend to favour SMF- it scales up very well, is reliable, and you can manage and keep it updated easily from the admin front end.

For some reason i think you might want to look at a wiki with forum features as well, such as twiki