Beehive Forum is the PHP/MySQL discussion board distinguished by a frame-based navigation layout and built‑in dyslexia‑oriented visual styles.[1] Its interface can show forum lists, thread lists, and messages simultaneously in separate frames, while users may switch to a no‑frames mode and choose among themes including dyslexia‑friendly and high‑contrast schemes to improve readability.[1]
Posting features include both threaded and flat conversation views, per‑user selectable.[1] Messages support BBCode/HTML‑style formatting, quoting, previews, file attachments, polls, and optional e‑mail or on‑site notifications for replies and watched threads.[1][2] Users can subscribe to forums or topics, mark them read/unread, and search posts by keyword, author, or date. Private messaging is integrated, allowing one‑to‑one or small‑group conversations separate from public threads.[1]
The user system provides profiles with configurable fields, avatars, signatures, and per‑user settings for layout, language, and theme.[1][2] Social features typically include buddy (friends) lists and ignore lists to filter unwanted content, as well as indicators for online status and post counts.[1] Administrators and moderators manage forums through a web‑based control panel, defining categories, forums, user groups, and fine‑grained permissions for reading, posting, attaching files, and moderation actions.[2] Tools such as word censoring, flood/spam protection, IP or account bans, and detailed logging/audit trails help maintain order, while style and language packs enable customization and localization without altering core code.[1][2]
## References
[1] Beehive Forum – Features. BeehiveForum.co.uk (accessed 2025).
[2] Beehive Forum Documentation – Administration & Configuration. BeehiveForum.co.uk (accessed 2025).
Phorum is the PHP/MySQL discussion forum software distinguished by its use of a classic frame-based layout and built-in dyslexia support options [1]. Originally developed in 1998, its flexible architecture allows for significant customization through a hook and module system. The default interface notably uses HTML frames to present a persistent list of messages alongside the content of the selected thread, providing a distinct navigational experience [2]. For accessibility, Phorum offers a specialized “Dyslexia Friendly” template that adjusts fonts, character spacing, and color contrast to improve readability for users with the condition [1, 3].
Its posting capabilities are comprehensive, supporting both flat and threaded message views, file attachments, polls, and announcements. User-generated content can be indexed for the forum's internal search engine, and posts can be placed in a moderation queue before going public [2]. The user system includes customizable profiles, email notifications, and private messaging. A key relationship feature is the “friend and foe” list, which allows users to apply custom highlighting to posts from friends or completely hide all content from users marked as foes [3]. Administrative controls are managed through a web-based dashboard, offering granular control over forums, user groups, and permissions. Administrators can create custom profile fields, manage censorship lists, configure anti-spam measures like flood control, and modify the forum's look and feel through its powerful templating system [2, 3].
## References
1. Phorum.org. "Phorum 5 Features - Templating Engine" [Archived page]. Available at: `https://web.archive.org/web/20160324003009/http://www.phorum.org/features.php`
2. Phorum.org. "Phorum 5 Features - Features List" [Archived page]. Available at: `https://web.archive.org/web/20130128033220/http://www.phorum.org/features.php`
3. Michaud, J. (2005). "Professional Phorums." Wrox Press. pp. 10-15, 307-310.