Are there forums better than vBulletin?

phpBB2 is your best bet for learning (IMO), it does not need linux, it has the largest database of add-ons and because of its already long lifetime, it has a massive and helpful user-base in its support forums.

Another reason to use phpBB2 is it will allow you to get to know the community.
If you haven't got much time, and want to see what the new phpbb3 can offer, just try it out on this host : free forum hosting

Hope this can help!

I would say IPB and vB are equal and both just as good although IPB has a bigger library of official plug ins but vB has a bigger library of free, unofficial plug ins and a fantastic modification community.

In terms of security and stability both are just as good. Feature set wise they are just as good. vB has features IPB doesn't have and the same vise versa.

In my opinion, vBulletin opens a large range of future ideas and allows you to expand into many diverse directions! Thats why i feel vBulletin is the best!

vB if your on a budget IPB if not.

I love IPD and PHPbb the same :]

I've a real soft spot for open source, so it's either phpBB or MyBB. Seeing you just make a MYSQL and you're done, I think you can get the job done.

IPB is more expensive isn't it?

there roughly the same

phpBB is good, and free. But there are not alot of good skins for it.
vBulletin has loads of nice skins.

IPB is great if you have the funds available, much better in coding forms aswell.. but if you want a decent easy to edit forum on a low budget go for vBulletin.