Blog Software
 

I’m developing a website with tons of information. Rather than scroll through pages, I’m relying on a search engine.

Initially I planned on using Wordpress with a different site search engine. I searched for weeks until I found two search engines to use — Google CSE and Sphinx— and was debating which to use.

Tonight I was referred to phpBB. At first I dismissed that but thought again. Though they are marketed as different products, both basically do the same thing. There is a post where you can comment. Categories are on the sidebar. Posts must be approved if the admin says so. You can blacklist and whitelist people. The admin area is fairly straightforward and easy to learn. Both require initial setup and submissions but after that, maintenance is simple.

I haven’t used phpBB in ten years but remember it being easy to use and maintain. Wordpress wouldn’t require many plugins and daily backups are available for both. Both are free and updated regularly.

So, if you had to choose one for posts of information which are easy to edit, which would you choose, AND WHY. I feel I’m overlooking something important. Both are interactive and user friendly.

I know there is a reason to choose one over the other. I just don’t know what that reason is. I’m tinkering with ideas and reasons.

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I’m leaning toward the Sphinx search engine. In Wordpress I’d just change the code. In phpBB I’d have to learn what to change and how to do it.

Wordpress requires a theme that fits my subject. PhpBB requires a color choice only.

Google CSE requires lots of configuring to make it look right. Sphinx configurations are easier to do.

PhpBB and Wordpress use MySQL db.

Yes, I realize that I’m asking a lot. Y’all here work with both programs and I’ll grt a truer admin answer than I would from those that aren’t familiar but can view the programs in use online.

Thanks in advance

I don't think phpBB is being terribly actively developed any more, is it? I recall there being some exploits on it like a decade plus ago that made us migrate our installs of it, if memory serves. Not that Wordpress is not hackable too, but it is really actively developed and modified.

phpBB is forum software.

Wordpress is CMS/Blog software.

Very different beasts.

Without sounding harsh, given your demonstrable lack of programming or technical knowledge, stick to Wordpress.

AK, you are on her ignore list alongside me, lol.

https://gfy.com/members/pamwinterreturns/

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I remember the fiasco with hiding version number so bots couldn’t find you and exploit you. PhpBB is updated but I’m more familiar with Wordpress. I’ve forgotten how to code but the regular maintenance I’m okay with or I can get help.

I found some plugins for search engines and will do a dozen posts, then search for obscure words or other expressions. I’m sure using a plugin will make the search engine easier to configure and control.

I wanted to start off the new year with this settled. 45 minutes until next year and I have one less thing to worry about. Theme uploaded, plugins ready for testing, and only about eight months of research to do. Oy vey!

Now if my sore throat and ear aches get better, 2019 will be off to a great start!

Good luck and Happy New Year!