Features

Features for users

• No login. No user database.
• Threads can be sorted by date started, date of last reply, author, or subject. This makes it easy to find new messages.
• Tree-like thread structure shown graphically.
• Message preview. The user can check if the message looks as expected before posting the message.
• Optional use of cookies. Works when user has turned off cookies (except for indicating unread messages).
• Automatic hyperlinks in messages.
• HTML formatting allowed in messages. User can copy and paste from an HTML editor.
• Quote function can use HTML formatting.
• Follow-up messages can be mailed to users (HTML formatted).
• FAQ page with detailed instructions.
• Binary file upload not possible.

Usability features

• Works in all browsers and all screen sizes.
• Email works in all mail readers (mail contains alternate HTML and plain text).
• Good accessibility to handicapped users, including blind users.
• Gobble-up help and FAQ page.
• All pages are printer-friendly.
• Graphics is kept at a minimum to achieve fast loading.
• Each message board has its own directory and each message has a unique number.
• Automatic hyperlinks.
• User can use hotkeys instead of mouse, if supported by browser.

Features for moderators

• Support for multiple moderators with different rights.
• Optional pre-moderation: New messages are not visible until they have been approved by a moderator.
• New messages can be mailed to moderators. Mail contains HTML link directly to moderation interface.
• Automatic expiry of old threads. Expiry date can be changed. Threads can be marked for no expiry. Expired threads can be recovered within 30 days.
• Messages can be moved to a different thread or different message board.
• Important threads can be moved to a read-only archive.
• Special format for inserting comments into messages (e.g. "Inappropriate insult removed by moderator").
• FAQ page for moderators.
• Message status can be set to the following:
  • approval not required
  • approval required
  • approved
  • rejected
  • hidden, but don't delete
  • lasting value (for later archiving)
  • needs consideration
  • written by moderator
  • internal notice (message from one moderator to other moderators)
  • expired

Features for administrator

• Administration interface is separate from moderation interface.
• Assign passwords and rights to moderators.
• Backup and restore message boards.
• Control display features and moderation features.
• Logging options: log postings, errors, search terms, search misses, and moderation activities.
• All layout is controlled using style sheets.
• Language can be changed, except for administrator interface.

Security features

• Pre-moderation can catch inappropriate messages before they become visible.
• Security question to ward off spam robots.
• Potentially dangerous HTML codes, scripts, event handlers, etc. are removed automatically.
• Email addresses are coded with JavaScripts to hide them from spam robots.
• Binary file upload is not allowed.
• Image links can be banned.
• Users can be blacklisted based on name, Email, or IP address.
• Passwords are encrypted (except SQL password).

System requirements

• Linux or FreeBSD operating system
• PHP version 4.1.0 or later
• MySQL database server (other database systems can be used, but not tested).

A test board is no longer available here because it has been abused for spam, but you can view a demo of the moderation interface.

Setting up the messageboard

Download the file aforum.zip and follow the instructions in the read-me.txt file.

Please note that I am providing this software as is and without any guarantee or support. A message board is provided for technical discussion of my software. You may post your questions here and hope that somebody will answer.