new vB install...hacks?
 

I've just installed ver2.2.6 of vB and would like to know what, if any, hacks do I need to be obtaining? Are there any post installation procedures I need to be concerned with to ensure my boards are safe from being hacked?

Anyone know of any step by step documentation for modifying the color schemes?

Is it possible to create smilies from skratch?

any response is appreciated.

No hacks are needed - the clean install is as secure as you can get at this time. Hacks are only for added functionality.

I'm not sure what you want from a steb by step documentation? You know, you are able to change the colors quite easily from the admin controlpanel?

You can switch your smilies to others if you wish. If you download the graphics package from the vBulletin member area it'll be easier than doing them from scratch IMHO, though.

VB is a solid and fine script so no hacks is necessarily required. You should consider hacks as modifications that makes your life (and board) easier and better, so you can apply any one that you think it would be a nice addition for your board. Some people dont apply any hacks, some apply a few they found very useful and some (like me and many other active visitors of this site) hacks vb to the end and apply more than 50-100 hacks.. :)

1- Choose a long and complex (=that has both letters and numbers in it) password for your Admin account.
2- Dont make people you dont know well, trust well or who doesnt have basic internet security knowledge, Site Admins, Super Mods or Moderators in your board.
3- You dont make ANYONE Site Admins anyway! :p
4- Advise your Admins, S.Mods and Mods to use complex and unique (ie isnt used in other sites) passwords for their board accounts.