The title is “10 Best Free Forum Software in 2016” but IPS and vB are included in the list. “This list of best forum software is based on my experiences” and “My first option will always be phpBB as a free choice” but phpBB is only the third point in the list.
The best free PC software programs aren’t about the cost (or lack thereof), they’re about a fresh opportunity—collections of code that put the dumb hardware in your computer to smart use, tools that can accomplish anything from balancing your household budget to helping cure cancer. Stocking your PC is an intensely personal task. But some programs are so helpful that we heartily recommend them to everybody. These free PC programs—a mix of must-haves and delightful auxiliary apps—deserve a place on almost any computer.
Updated 8/30/18: As great as these free programs are, there are times when a paid alternative makes sense. We’ve updated this article to point out the circumstances where an upgrade over the free offering is warranted. Before you roll up your sleeves and start slinging software around, make sure to snag your web browser of choice. Using Windows’ default Internet Explorer or Edge browser when you’re accustomed to something else feels like wearing somebody else’s shoes. (Blech.) Our money’s on Chrome, which earned top honors in PCWorld’s. But hey, they’re all free!