How to Install Simple Machines Forum on OpenBSD

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Simple Machines Forum (SMF) on OpenBSD. SMF is a free and open-source forum software that allows you to create an online community and maintain discussions.

Before we begin, please ensure that you have root access to your OpenBSD system and have Apache, PHP, and MySQL installed.

Step 1: Download and Extract the SMF Archive

1. Download the latest version of SMF from their official website at https://www.simplemachines.org/.
2. Transfer the downloaded file to your OpenBSD system.
3. Extract the SMF archive using the following command:

tar -xzvf smf_vX.X.X_install.tar.gz

Note: Replace X.X.X with the appropriate version number.

Step 2: Create a MySQL Database for SMF

1. Log in to your MySQL server using the following command:

mysql -u root -p

2. Enter your MySQL root password when prompted.
3. Create a new MySQL database for SMF using the following command:

CREATE DATABASE smfdb;

Note: Replace smfdb with your preferred database name.

4. Create a new MySQL user and grant all privileges to the smfdb database with the following command:

GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON smfdb.* TO 'smfuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';

Note: Replace smfuser and password with your preferred username and password.

5. Exit the MySQL prompt by typing exit;.

Step 3: Configure the SMF Installation

1. Navigate to the extracted SMF installation files and edit the Settings.php file with the following command:

cd ~/SMF/install
vi Settings.php

2. Update the following lines with your MySQL database information:

$db_name = 'smfdb';
$db_user = 'smfuser';
$db_passwd = 'password';
$db_server = 'localhost';
$db_prefix = 'smf_';

Note: Replace smfdb, smfuser, password, and localhost with your MySQL database details.

3. Save the Settings.php file and exit the text editor.

Step 4: Install SMF

1. Navigate to the SMF installation directory and run the installation script with the following command:

cd ~/SMF/install
php install.php

2. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation process.
3. Once the installation is complete, delete the install directory with the following command:

rm -rf ~/SMF/install

Step 5: Access your SMF Installation

1. Open a web browser and navigate to your SMF installation at http://your_ip_address/SMF/ (replace your_ip_address with your server's IP address).
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your SMF community.

Congratulations, you have successfully installed Simple Machines Forum on OpenBSD.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!