Chat Board Software?

[EmporerEJ]

WOW!
Thanks. That's a pile of information. I understand about 10% of what you said there.
It appears you know a considerable amount on the subject.
So, here's the thing:

It's for a small town chat board. I'm funding the website out of my pocket, which is why I'm looking for the free stuff. Especially if I turn this into a campaign at some point for council.
It doesn't need to be fancy. I'm looking for very basic, no frills, just a way for people to post up and talk. I'll have to find a low cost/free host to run from, or hang it off one of my business servers. Although I'm loath to connect this to my "Day Job." Adds a layer of problems that have no bearing on the community website.
If you were gonna make a choice, and wanted SIMPLE, basic, reliable, "plug it in and it works," software, which would you choose?

And thanks for your expertise.