The best way to install SMF is through the Fantastico, at the same place where you got the fantastico for Joomla(you server host company) you will find this for SMF, when it be installed, will ask for a upgrade, do it and all will be ready....Now talking about the bridge...i know that its no longer avaliable..i tried and tried and find with some problems when i got installit.
I need to install smf manually (not through fantastico) because it needs to end up in the same database as joomla (per the instructions on installing the bridge). Fantastico automatically installs them in separate databases.
Are you saying that the Joomlahacks bridge is no longer functional? I was under the distinct impression that it is one of the more widely used bridges among the folks here...
~M