Message board software in Perl

Note: This software is no longer maintained

What is a web message board

A web message board is a web site for public discussion and sharing of news
about a particular topic. Anybody can post a message and anybody can read it.

A message board differs from a mailing list in that you don't have to subscribe.
It differs from a Usenet newsgroup in that improper messages can be removed.

Message board software in Perl

Most modern message boards use a database for storing messages. If you have access to create a database on your server, then it is recommended to use the more modern software. The message board in Perl is obsolete and no longer supported with updates, but the code is free to use.

This message board system has several advantages over other available systems that don't use databases:

• Protected against errors, for example in case two messages are posted
  simultaneously.
• A separate index for each thread avoids the problem of the index
  being clogged up by very long threads. A main index contains a list of
  threads, and an unthreaded index lists all messages for the purpose of
  searching.
• Special indexes for old and deleted messages.
• Accepts html code in messages. The user can edit his/her message in an
  html editor if he/she wants formatting or special features. Potentially
  damaging html codes are removed automatically.
• A message preview allows the user to see if the message looks as intended,
  check it for errors, and edit it again if necessary.
• The system allows several web message boards for different topics on the
  same site.
• Automatic daily backup of the main index. A script for backup of all
  messages is also available.
• A special moderation tool makes the moderator's job easy. It is possible
  to expire, delete or edit messages from a web browser. The webmaster can
  control passwords and access rights for several moderators.
• A test board provides a safe place for moderators and users to experiment
  without disturbing anybody else.
• Installation script provided.
• Handicap-friendly (conforms with W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

System requirements

You must have a basic knowledge of the internet, HTML and UNIX commands to
be able to install and use this program.

Before you sign up for an account at an internet service provider you should check if it provides what you need:

• Operating system: LINUX, UNIX, or similar.
  Other operating systems are sure to cause you trouble.
• Own cgi-bin directory: The service must provide you with your own cgi-bin directory. This means that you are allowed to run your own programs on the server.
• Server-side includes (SSI or shtml): Recommended, but not necessary.
• Disk space: Make sure you get enough disk space. You should reserve at least 10 MB for each message board, and more if you expect many messages or very long messages.

Setting up the files

Make a directory named boardsetup somewhere on your server.
Transfer the file msgbrd.zip by ftp in binary mode to the boardsetup directory.

Log in by telnet or secure shell and go to the boardsetup directory using the cd command.
Unzip the archive with the command:
unzip msgbrd.zip

Read the file readme.txt for further instructions.

No support

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. A test board is no longer available because it has been abused for spam.

Please don't E-mail me with your technical problems: such mails will not be answered! If you don't have the technical expertise for installing this software then you should seek professional help elsewhere.