Help starting a forum (which software etc)

[Maxf]

Ok, another hobby forum I use is becoming over moderated and generally a bit sucky. Instead of just moaning about it I am thinking of setting up a forum which will cater to some of the original members and create some traffic/good discussions.

Now I don't want to make any money and this is very much an extension of a hobby so I need it to be relatively hassle free - and cheap, at least until I know it works.

The problem is I have very little technical computing knowledge - I can't programme, barely know how to post photos and am generally a bit ham fisted when it comes to this kind of thing. I am, however, keen and willing to learn. So...

What off the shelf forum software do people recommend? The current site uses ubb.threads but that seems to be $220 for a licence. What can I expect to pay for server space and some bandwidth? Am I mad?

[Maxf]

Cheers guys - still working things out so will be in touch. I'm able to structure the forums in the way which would work best and also create traffic but the technical side does worry me somewhat!

Looks like I might end up busy during the long weekend