Which package is right for you?

Questions and Answers

• Is this a subscription?
  No! The packages provide you with access to updates or updates and support. You pay once and no further charges are made. If your package has expired, your forum will continue to run. You decide yourself whether and when to extend a service package and then initiate the purchase process yourself. However, we recommend that you renew at least the BASIC package every year so that you always have access to the latest updates, plugins etc. for our forum software. This is the only way to ensure that your forum is always up to date and secure.
• Is hosting included?
  No! We only provide you with the forum software, which you can install and host yourself on a compatible webspace. This not only allows you to choose your own hoster, it also gives you complete control of your data.
• Do I need branding free (PLUS package), to change the logo?
  Of course not! You can change and customize the logo in the header and the entire template according to your wishes at any time. No matter whether you have a BASIC or a PLUS package. You can even change the FAQ and remove references to the manufacturer (CBACK). You may only remove the small, discreet line in the footer of the forum ("Powered by CBACK Forum © 2024 CBACK Software") with the link to us if you have purchased the PLUS package. However, we would be pleased if you still leave this link intact: The more people know about our forum system, the cheaper we can offer the BASIC package with update service for everyone.
• Can I switch license models during the runtime?
  Unfortunately not! A change of model (BASIC or PLUS) is only possible at the end of the term in the event of an renewal, but not during the term.
• Do I need an additional license for a staging/test environment?
  No. As long as the system is running on your local computer (localhost / ::1) or on a webspace protected by .htaccess / .htpasswd, and thus not publicly accessible, you may install as many test forums as you like with the same license.
• I have multiple forums. Is it okay to buy CF4 just once?
  No. Each publicly accessible installation of the forum software must have its own own license / service package. If you want to update the forums later or need support, you must renew the service package for each of your forums. It is not permitted to transfer update packages from one installation to another installation that has expired.
• Does it work with PHP 8?
  Yes! We even recommend the use of PHP 8 for even better performance. You can find more detailed information about the system requirements on the CF4 info page at the bottom. If in doubt, ask your hoster whether all the requirements listed there for CF4 are met. As a rule, however, CF4 should run on all hosters that provide PHP and MySQL / MariaDB.
• Is the system responsive and does it support retina / HiDPI screens?
  Absolutely! The CF4 has been built responsive from the ground up using modern techniques based on HTML 5 and CSS 3 and thus also uses a real, search engine-friendly responsive layout, which not only adapts wonderfully to all types of devices, but also responds very efficiently and quickly. The CF4 is also fully optimized for HiDPI / Retina displays. Even the user avatars and the IMG BBCode supports high-resolution screens. This means that you won't have to deal with blurred graphics in CF4, as is the case in many other forums.
• Is there a trial version?
  Unfortunately, we cannot offer a test version, as our system has unencrypted code and the risk of copying would therefore be too great. However, you can check out a CF4 "Out-Of-The-Box" in our support forum, which of course always runs on the latest and unmodified version of the CF4.
• What is included in the premium support of the PLUS package?
  With a valid PLUS package, you will receive answers to questions about the software directly from the manufacturer in our support forum. Support is available on working days (Monday - Friday). Usually an answer takes a maximum of 24 hours during these days. Public holidays (Saarland) are excluded. Premium support includes questions about installation, setup, software features, settings. We are also happy to give you a little advice and tips if you modify your forum yourself. However, Premium Support does NOT include programming help, NO plugin or template development, NO support for third-party plugins or third-party extensions and NO on-site service. However, these services, can be commissioned from us at any time as an individual order for a fee. Please take a look for yourself: We have deliberately made our Premium Support subforum in the CBACK Community public so that everyone can see the nature of our support for yourself before making a purchase.