For new installations of SMF forums, the current stable version, at download.simplemachines.org, is recommended. This version has been tested and declared stable. Please read the client and server requirements for more information on installation requirements.

For forums running earlier branches of SMF, the current stable version of that branch, at upgrades, is recommended. This version has the latest available security features.

For forums running versions in the SMF 1.0.x series, where upgrade to the current stable version is not possible because of modifications subsequently applied, the most recent version of SMF 1.0.x, at upgrades, is recommended as a short term measure only. This version has the latest security features for SMF 1.0.x forums. As SMF 1.0.x is no longer under development and is considered obsolete, it is recommended that the admin obtain any assistance required to make upgrade to the current stable version possible.

For testing the new features of SMF 2.0, the latest version in the SMF 2.0 RC series, at download.simplemachines.org, is available. This version is not recommended for live SMF forums, as it is still being tested. It offers new features and options for users and administrators. The new features of 2.0 were announced in April 2007. When a stable version of SMF 2.0 is released, an upgrade package for SMF 1.1.x to SMF 2.0 will also be released, and the SMF 1.1.x series will be deprecated.