First I would like to thank everyone for all the help
I ended up using Tripod... its not bad, has better templates than other sites had (by the way, I did read up on the html stuff.... didnt seem THAT bad... I just ran outof time!). I'm happy with it so far (I just need somthing simple!)

ok ok... now onto my next problem, the one thing I dont like about the site is one of the reasons i picked it... it already had a message board preinstalled... I JUST DON'T like it. It's from Bravenet and I need something more like phpbb.... but I had problems downloading it. I tried another and it confused me when it came time to install...

SO..... What I need now is an easy to install Forum for my site (one thats more along the lines of phpbb, one that can have different topics and people have to register inorder to post)

OK guys... you've been able to help me so far.... keep it up

(by the way... thanks again! )

Hi Cindy.

My suggestion would be to use InvisionBoard. However, all these forums (phpBB, Invisionboard, XMB, etc.) all need MySQL and PHP. I did not know that Tripod offered MySQL and PHP.

Good luck!

-Lamar

as perfect host mentioned, invisionboard is real good. if u need to use php and mysql then u can register in lycos.co.uk. they give u 0mb free and php and mqsql.

infact i have a xlinks script setup there.. if u wanna see here is the link

members.lycos.co.uk/spk100/index.php

Hi Cindy,

You cannot install a phpBB on www.tripod.com (no PHP and MySQL db), but you can install one on www.tripod.co.uk (or Lycos.co.uk, as Praveen mentioned). It's also the easiest to install, by far.

I wouldn't recommend using InvisionBoard. Their control panel is really bad, I've heard. I have yet to try them, but they don't look like much except a PHP copy of Ikonboard. However, if you really like IB's look, I would recommend giving IBForums a try too.

But if you really want an easy-to-use setup, why not just go for remotely hosted? Sign-up at a message board host like these:
http://bb.bbboy.net (recommended), http://www.upperboard.com (also recommended)
http://www.xsorbit.com (YaBB)
http://www.proboards.com (YaBB)
http://www.dk3.com/ (phpBB 1.x)
http://myibmain.ikonboard.com/ (Ikonboard; officially sponsored by IB)
http://forums.asp-dev.co.uk/ (Snitz)
http://forums.hostultra.com/ (Infoboard)

Or if you want the absolute easiest control panel, you can pay a few bucks and go with www.aimoo.com .

Thanks for all the help guys!!!!!

Since what I needed was a fairly simple board I ended up using a free remotely hosted board. Only problem is that a few days ago, it disappeared... and I don't just mean my board... I used iboard and for the past few days I can't get to my board, their help forum, or their main site! Anyone know if they shut down for good?

I just signed up for a new one (Proboards) and I think I'm just going to use that one instead... It seemed easy enough to use... and didn't have as many pop-up ads (although i wish there was a free board that didn't have any pop-up ads at all.... ha ha ha)

Once again, THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!

Great news, Cindy! I'm glad you found my suggestions helpful.