Forum Software

Ok, I'm on the search for some forum software and I'm not sure what I'd rather go with, vB or IPB.

Honestly, I can't tell the difference other than a few minor differences. How is the admin panel? I'm looking for something quite simple (admin panel), very safe (security wise), and very modifiable.

I know both have pretty much all of those, but which is better in each category?

Also, with the whole license thing, I take it after the license expires, you can still use the software? Or do you have to take it down.

Thanks.

I would go with vBulletin as theres a ton of great plugins.

I second that. vbulletin is great. Its simple to modify, powerful, and there are tones of plugins and a great community.

Use this matrix to make your decision: http://www.forummatrix.org/

After using PHPBB, Vanilla, SMF, IPB, and vB, vB is by far my favorite. It has a massive community and tons of mods.

Go with VB you won't regret it..

for free forums i like to use http://www.mybboard.net/

otherwise I use vBulletin

I like SMF - I find it a bit faster than other forum software I have used.

IPB beats vB by a little in terms of speed, but vB has more features.

I think either one is nice, but vB seems to be more popular, therefore it's got more themes/plugins/support.

If you want to be unique, use IPB XD