Hi I am new dumb kid on the block: 1st post so pls go easy. OK I want build a forum formy first project. I am not a developer but am a template user. What is best tool for me to use. a) template b)website builder c) learn word press. I don't want to spend money till I launch it so I want it all done off-line. I recently build a website for a guy and used a company which was voted number 1 in a computing magazine and had a nightmare, so I have realised if your a newbie don't rely on magazines recommendations as being the totally reliable and never touch a company who doesn't want to put a contact number up.

My next question is hosting: How can I verify that the company I use is a real company and not a virtual. ideally I don't care where the company is so long as are tapped into a fast connection, but then again how can i even verify that.

over to you?

What is best tool for me to use. a) template b)website builder c) learn word press.

Or none of the above.

If you want a forum as a first project (apart from being deranged ) you would be much better off using software that is designed to be a forum!

You can use any kind of hosting services which are highly reputed.

I might recommend you Hostgator, namecheap as they are good and they do have huge number of clients.

I don't know that they have any huge office but they are good enough in their services.

Thanks for your comments