Software update: phpBB 3.0 RC1

Today, after five beta releases, the first release candidate of phpBB version 3.0 went out. With this software it is possible to create a forum where visitors can discuss with each other. phpBB is made available under the GPL license and uses PHP and a database program to store messages. Besides MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Microsoft Access are also supported as database software. The new 3.0 branch has a number of improvements over the current stable 2.0 series, including improved admin, search capabilities, and a host of other overhauled and new features. A complete overview of the most important new features can be found on this page are being found. An excerpt from the announcement of this release can be found below:

phpBB3 Release Candidate 1 (RC1) released

We are very pleased to announce the availability of the phpBB3 RC1 package. This is the first release candidate which is meant to become the Gold release if no more bugs or problems arise. Of course there may be more than one release candidate.

With this release we will give full support, allow uploading language packs as well as modifications and styles. Please note that during the first few weeks support questions may not be answered as fast as with the 2.0.x line. We also only give support to those having a clean RC1 installation, previous conversions or updates will not be supported. We encourage only those running the release candidate wanting to test out the new version, it is still recommended to wait for the full release; after all this is a release candidate.

To re-iterate the support guidelines, we won’t support the following installation types:

• Updates from phpBB3 Beta versions to phpBB3 RC1 and higher
• Conversions from phpBB 2.0.x to phpBB3 Beta versions
• phpBB3 Beta installations

We give support for the following installation types:

• Updates from phpBB3 RC1 to any higher version (not relevant at the moment)
• Conversions from phpBB 2.0.x to phpBB3 RC1 and higher
• New installations of phpBB3 RC1 and higher

For all those not needing support and want to take the risks… the database update file is present, though we were not able to provide a full update path due to the style and database changes. If you are running on mysql 4.0.3 or less you should completely re-install, because the complete schema changed for these versions.

A short explanation of how to do a conversion is included within the provided INSTALL.html file, please be sure to read it.

Conversions from 2.0.x to phpBB3 RC1 may be problematic, depending on your setup and the amount of MODs you installed. If you want to be on the safe side we suggest still waiting for later releases before you fully convert your 2.0.x installation.[break]