Installing Community forum

I want to setup a community forum to discuss general talk about lifestyle etc.

What forum software recommended?

I notice everyone is using vBulletin but it is not free.

I came across myBB they claims it is similar to vBulletin.

My Basic requirements are

1. I should able to run ads (Top banner, bottom banner, left and right banner)
2. First two levels, user should not able to create new threads. i.e Main page and one level below the main forum user should not create new thread.

3. Security. If some one posted any threatening, or abusive and police knocks down my site, I should able to provide IP address used to post that message.
4. Spam prevention.

5. Runs on Linux shared hosting(godaddy).


I am not a programmer but don't mind installing pulg-in add in modules etc.

Anyone can recommend a forum application?

Thanks you

By the way what forum software Linuxquestions uses?

I'm not going to comment on your host of choice except to say - watch your resource usage.

If you want something as full featured and extensible as vBulletin or IPB but free, I'd look at phpBB. If you wanted something a bit lighter weight but still quite capable maybe Phorum, PunBB or FluxBB (PunBB fork).

(Linuxquestions uses vBulletin)