Forum Back Ups

[KEA]

Forum Url: http://sawmillandtimberforumcom.smfforfree.com
I see in the FAQ that database back ups are not available. Is there anyway to protect our forum in the event of a server crash? 

[Celebrus]

SMF already takes regular backups of your forums. There's no need to worry.

[KEA]

Forum Url: http://sawmillandtimberforumcom.smfforfree.com
If that is the case, what does "database back ups are not available" mean?  Isnt the database the forum?  Forgive me as I know just enough to be dangerous but am willing to search and learn. 

Already learned its best to read the directions   But I do have some concerns on potential crashes since another forum using this software www.forestryforum.comclaimed to crash and had no back up.  That turned into a pitty party where he raised thousands of dollars in donations to rebuild it.  A few weeks later everything was back and lots of money in his pocket.     


In reference to the site above, how is it possible for them to use the software (SMF software info at bottom of forum) on their own server? 

[Celebrus]

Database backups are taken regularly, they are not made public. SMF had said that some time back.
SMF is free forum software that is provided by Simple Machines. SMF For Free is a service that uses that software to provide free forum hosting.
It's like how IPB Free uses Invision Power Board to provide free forum hosting, if you know what I mean.
The owner of the forum which you said crashed seems to have neglected to take backups. As I said before, the owner of this service does take regular back ups of our forums.

[KEA]

So basically, I could download the software and run it on another server?  What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing that? 

[Celebrus]

Glad to help.

[KEA]

Sorry about the repost but I was editing my last message and got booted offline.

Advantages/disadvantages to seperate server?

[Celebrus]

Advantages:
You can use SSI.php
More control, you can install your own mods etc.

Disadvantages:
You'll have to pay for a good one.
Unless you are a genius, if anything goes wrong you are in trouble.
Taking regular backups is your own headache.

I can think of many more but I am too lazy to type it all up. Overall, I'd recommend you stick to SMF For Free. Trust me, finding a good free host is near impossible. I've been trying for 2 months.

[KEA]

I dont mind paying some for a host as we would like to be able to have paid banner adds on our forum but cant do that now.   


All the google adds seem to get busy as well so if we stay on the SMF server we have to spend money to have them removed, which is fine, but we still cant have any advertiser banner adds. 

[simply sibyl]

Forum Url: http://sawmillandtimberforumcom.smfforfree.com
If that is the case, what does "database back ups are not available" mean?  Isnt the database the forum?  Forgive me as I know just enough to be dangerous but am willing to search and learn. 

what that statement in the FAQ means is that this service does not provide database backups to forum admins.   In other words, if you choose to move to a paid server, install the software yourself, etc... you will be starting from scratch.   You cannot get/pay for/etc a backup of your forum here.

He does however, as Omikron stated , do regular backups so be assured your forum is safe that way here.

[KEA]

Thanks!