Originally posted on Tuesday 24 February 2009

Ever wondered- we’ve been using these social networks* for quite a long and still using them even when we can have a personal one.
Now how??
ELGG

Just almost an year back I came across a software called Elgg which can be found at http://elgg.org.
What is Elgg?
It was the first opensource social networking script as far as I remember. Well, it comes with a hell lot of functionality and is damn easy to use as:
1. The social networking engine handles it all.
2. It has a community to help you out with problems.
3. It has well documented tutorials.
For requirements and features check these pages:

http://elgg.org/requirements.php

http://elgg.org/features.php

Well if you are seeking a demo. Maybe you can try my upcoming site: http://futureiitians.com
BUDDYPRESS

Buddypress turns WordPress MU(multi user) into a social networking site. Though still in beta but all set to take over the others. From the makers of WordPress, buddypress comes with all the functionality of WordPress MU and the extras.
It has a big community behind it. It is the easiest one around.
Only things it lacks are a a little more functionality and themes. But I know they are only a few months away from success.
No special requirements btw.
For a demo visit http://testbp.org.
btw, both are based on PHP and MYSQL which are also open source and have most of the servers supporting them.
Why social networking?
I know you know answer to that. Its the best way to interact with people.
Why do I need a personal one?
Well, the sites like Orkut, Facebook are for general public. Yours could be on a specific topic. Call your friends and start an online club. Think a little and you’ll find a reason on why to do this.
For your information,the above two mentioned are not the only ones out there. We also have Peopleaggregator, pligg, etc. Elgg and Buddypress are the best and surely have the maximum potential, and the only ones under constant development.

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