Here is an idea of what you could do:

First, find the forums software you want to use. I would suggest using phpBB as it is the best free php forum out there. www.phpbb.com

Next, you can write some PHP scripts to use on the main page of your site that will display the user list, etc. The custom PHP scripts could show the list of users from the forums database or you could use a separate database of users.

If you want to integrate your site more fully into the forums, you should check out some of the free phpBB CMS/portals. They might be what you need.

Here are a few phpBB portals:
http://www.project-minerva.org/home/index.php
http://smartor.is-root.com/

If you need any help with setting up anything on your site or have any questions I would be glad to help out. Just drop me a PM.


Perl, by the way, is actually not on the way out. It shall continue to be around for quite a long time.