i need to create a forum for my website but i dont know where to start, could someone point me towards an online *free* tutorial about making forums or give me some handy hint tips etc.

try

InvisionFree
Bravenet
Boards2Go

plus try a google search for free hosted forum

Invisionfree is the way to go! I am using them currently, until I can pay for IPB.

Handy hint #1: Dont do it!

Why invent a wheel that's already on the market in a plethora of colors and sizes? Just install a GPL forum and customize/skin to suit. I agree with J.C. - try PHPBB.

However, as Choryo's site is running on Tripod a hosted solution will likely be the only choice

Yeah cheers for all the tips etc im gonna try and use phpbb for it if it dont work i guess ill use the bravenet one because ive used it before and it gets the job done.

yay ive done it i used invision (what a site it rules) thanks for all your help guys its much appreciated

Well, seeing as I am the resident local Ikonboard fanboy...go with Ikonboard (www.ikonboard.com).

Stable + Secure.

Downside: It is slower.

Et plus, c'est Perl.