Goal: Set up a private discussion group using internet/gmail to contact family member
 

I'm a nubie, please excuse my ignorance, (not my stupidity) and my omissions at researching possible resources for I'm confused by the descriptions of the multiple applications.

Using ubuntu 14.04 dist with apache2 installation; not sure how to go about creating a discussion group that would (more or less) be unavailable to the casual hacker: e.g. security but not extreme.
Trying to try and sell the idea to media/computer savy young adults.
Simple idea is to have issues, and discussion threads to initiate/respond to various different issues. Possibly links to related issues/responses.
I've been looking at mutt write-up trying to figure out if it will help me achieve my goal. (Goal: Set up a private discussion group using internet/gmail to contact family members).


What else?

Can we use iphone dictation/text conversion in responding to issues. e.g message mailed to email that appears as a response to a discussion issue.

Using lenovo desktop as server/main PC.
Any report of existing similar system(s) in part or whole is sincerely appreciated.
Thanks
punkfeetpete

So you want to set up the equivalent of LQ, but for just your friends and family?

Maybe a forum owner will offer some insight into what they use to establish and maintain a similar forum.

If you're looking to set up a forum like this but don't want to pay for the software then look at PHPBB as a solution. You'll need apache, PHP and MySQL and be able to set up your server to accept incoming connections on whatever port you choose.

You could also consider using a members only "wordpress" blog (either on wordpress.com or self-hosted) and encourage family members to post/comment there.

My LUG uses PHPBB to host a "members only" forum. Our unofficial Fearless Leader researched a number of options before settling on PHPBB as the best choice.

A login is required to access the forum, though, at this point, anyone can create a login and participate. Nevertheless, I'm certain there would be a way to set up PHPBB so that only an authorized admin could created a member login.

This link may give you a start: http://www.inmotionhosting.com/suppo...ation-settings

The simplest thing to get up and running for a small group of people is a Wordpress blog. I have a shared hosting account with wordpress installed on it to post stories, pictures, and videos of my children to share with family who are far away. I've installed a plugin to make the page only accessible with a password. I also have a plugin that sends an email to all of my family members on the list whenever I post something. If you use wordpress, it is a magnet for hackers, and you should immediately install the ithemes security plugin and follow all of their recommendations for making it more secure.

If you are trying to run a server from home, your ISP provider may make it extremely difficult unless you pay for an expensive enterprise level connection with a dedicated IP address. I gave up on that idea after trying in vain to get help from my ISP. It is much easier and cost effective to purchase a VPS account. With a VPS, you can choose the OS (including Ubuntu if that is what you are comfortable with), and you have complete root access to do whatever you want. As long as you don't run afoul of the hosting terms of service, you can pretty much do anything you like. Once you have an apache server up and running, you can install whatever software or content management system you want. You can make the site only accessible through https, you can serve things on non-standard ports, and you can make content password protected. I have a VPS running owncloud that I use for syncing files on various devices, sharing large files with people, and running a shared calendar. A VPS is like a swiss army knife tool that you can do anything with. Anything you run will be probed for weaknesses by hackers, though. You need to use strong passwords, employ intrusion detection software, and keep periodic backup images of the server stored in case someone manages to sneak in and break things.

I am very slow in learning, for right now I am perusing the 148 page pdf regarding how to install the phpBB. This is after examining other alternatives.
I will come to a conclusion after more work and trials and inform the forum my results.
Thank you all for your help so far.
punkfeetpete

Goal: Set up a private discussion group using internet/gmail to contact family member
 

Thank you all very much!

I'm using apache2 (lamp install) and have installed phpBB.
This seems like the most flexible and best option. At present security is not the most pressing issue.
With this decision (installing phpBB) I am now involved with learning and discerning administrative, moderator, etc tasks and assignments that most meet the needs at hand.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR RESPONSES AND SUPPORT.

SOLVED
Best Regards

punkfeetpete

Thanks for reporting back.