Hello.
While you don't need any extra tools or programs to run phpBB as it's ready to go out of the box, you will need an uncompression/unzip program to unpack the phpBB download and a FTP program to upload the files to your host. Or if you want to customise phpBB or install any MODs manually, then you will need some tools as well. All of the programs I mention are either open source (read: free) or freeware. However, there may be paid programs or other programs not on this list you'd like to use. That's fine -- this is just a list to get you started. If you find other great open source or freeware programs not listed here, please feel free to send me a PM, and I might add them to the list.
Uncompression programs
An uncompression program will un compress the ZIP or gz phpBB package you downloaded.
- 7-Zip (Windows) - free and works well
FTP programs
You need a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program to upload phpBB files from your personal computer to the web server.
- FileZilla (Windows) - FileZilla is an excellent FTP program for Windows and one that I personally use.
- FireFTP (cross platform) - if you use Firefox this is a handy extension so you don't have to open another program
- Cyberduck (Mac OS)
- More FTP programs with comparisons
Text editor programs
A good plain text editor is essential for installing MODs and making tweaks to your board. While you can use the default Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac OS) editors, it's much better to have a full featured text editor. Editors are largely a matter of personal preference as most have similar features like syntax colouring, line numbers (a must for tracking down errors!), etc. Important note: Do not use a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor like FrontPage or Dreamweaver with phpBB as those will likely destroy the files. Always use a plain text editor.
- Notepad++ (Windows) - I personally use and love this one especially since you can use the no installation option to run it from a USB drive.
- PSPad (Windows)
- Smultron (Mac OS)
- Bluefish (Linux)
- More text editors
File comparison programs
- WinMerge (Windows) - compares text files and folders, and highlights the differences
- KDiff3 (cross platform)
Graphics programs
You'll need a graphics program if you want to create or edit images for use with phpBB.
Enjoy!
- <ric323> Extended description of WinMerge.