# Initial configuration - the basics
**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591
**Category:** Self-hosting
**Tags:** hosting
**Created:** [November 4, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591 "2025-11-04T16:50:51Z")
**Posts on this page:** 6
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@BobS](https://meta.discourse.org/u/BobS)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2025, 4:50pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/1 "2025-11-04T16:50:51Z")
I work with a TownSq HOA site, so as they are propitiatory, the installation cannot start there. I see the pricing, but wonder what else I need to purchase to get started. Does the $100 a month include a hosting site or is that an additional cost I need to consider? I assume I can provide a link in their external website to the Discourse location. Once I have determined the requirements I can proceed to provide an estimate of the monies involved if they want to move forward. If Discourse does not provide hosting, who do they recommend.
---
### Author:  [@Falco](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Falco)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2025, 5:37pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/2 "2025-11-04T17:37:10Z")
Even though the $20 plan includes hosting, you may want to start there and upgrade when your site gets traction.
---
### Author:  [@ToddZ](https://meta.discourse.org/u/ToddZ)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2025, 5:57pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/3 "2025-11-04T17:57:36Z")
The [Discourse.org hosting plans](https://www.discourse.org/pricing) are exactly that – complete hosting of your Discourse forum. Open an account and you’re up and running. You’d then add links to the forum on the organization site.
By default the new forum will live at an address like `TownSqHOA.discourse.group`.
The $100/mo plan allows you to optionally connect the new site to the organization’s domain (working with someone with access to the organization’s DNS settings) so you’d have `forum.TownSqHOA.com` or similar.
The software can be self-hosted by those with technical interests and knowledge, but the paid hosting plans are turn-key easy.
Configuring and administering a forum does take some study and work, though. A lot can be learned here in topics like:
> **[Using Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/using-discourse/126)**
>
> Topics showing how to Discourse by reading and writing content, and navigating Discourse sites. (Index)
> **[Site Management](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/site-management/53)**
>
> Documentation covering the configuration, moderation, and ongoing management of your Discourse community - useful for site owners, administrators, and moderators. (Index)
If you prefer to hire someone to help with setup and administration, you can post in:
> **[Marketplace](https://meta.discourse.org/c/marketplace/14)**
>
> A hub for all Discourse-related commerce: jobs, gigs, plugins, themes, hosting, and more.
---
### Author:  [@BobS](https://meta.discourse.org/u/BobS)
#### Post date: [November 4, 2025, 6:07pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/4 "2025-11-04T18:07:08Z")
This is good news. Thank you. I am interested in the AI monitoring tools. Those would require the $100 package correct?
---
### Author:  [@NateDhaliwal](https://meta.discourse.org/u/NateDhaliwal)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/5 "2025-11-05T02:10:19Z")
Hi there, are you referring to the #ai plugin and features? That is included on Pro ($100 a month) and up.
> [@Discourse AI](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-ai/259214/1):
>
> #### Will this be available on Discourse hosting? Which plans?
>
> The Discourse AI plugin and all features are now available for customers hosted on Pro, Business and Enterprise plans
>
> 🥳 **Updates**
>
> - [AI Bot](https://meta.discourse.org/t/discourse-ai-how-to-enable-ai-bot-in-discourse/266012) is now available for all of our hosting tiers!
> - [Related topics is now enabled for all of our hosting tiers](https://meta.discourse.org/t/related-topics-is-now-live/292840)
> - [All Discourse AI features now available on Pro and Business](https://meta.discourse.org/t/all-discourse-ai-features-now-available-on-standard-and-business/333409)
---
### Author:  [@BobS](https://meta.discourse.org/u/BobS)
#### Post date: [November 5, 2025, 2:49am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/initial-configuration-the-basics/387591/6 "2025-11-05T02:49:59Z")
Yes. Thank you for clarifying this.