# New Discourse User - a few questions **URL:** \ **Category:** Support\ **Tags:** ai\ **Created:** [October 18, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-discourse-user-a-few-questions/414985 "2026-10-18T22:54:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1 ## AI-generated summary A new user, [opalgeist](/t/-/414985/1), asked three questions about migrating their community to Discourse: the availability of a desktop client, disabling AI features, and resources for new administrators. [NateDhaliwal](/t/-/414985/2) responded that there is no official desktop client, but users can utilize a PWA or unofficial clients. Regarding AI features, he noted that they likely cannot be disabled on the free plan. For self-hosting, he recommended checking the [site management](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/site-management) and [self-hosting](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/self-hosting) documentation, noting that installation is straightforward. [singi2016cn](/t/-/414985/3) also advised consulting the official documentation and historical posts for further guidance. The original poster thanked both contributors for the helpful information.
**Author:** ![opalgeist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/opalgeist/32/581359_2.png) [@opalgeist](https://meta.discourse.org/u/opalgeist)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2026, 10:54pm UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-discourse-user-a-few-questions/414985/1 "2026-10-18T22:54:07Z")
Hi all, I’m thinking about moving my community to Discourse and have a few questions that I haven’t been able to easily find answers to, so I’m hoping this community can help me. 1. Does Discourse have a desktop client (like Discord)? I’ve seen that Discourse Hub is available for mobile. 2. Is there an easy way to turn off AI features in our community? I’ve seen others say that you can turn off the plugin, but mine is set to being toggled on and says it’s pre-installed and can’t be disabled? 3. I’m pretty tech-savvy but not to the point of self-hosting and all that stuff. Is there a place you’d recommend new Discourse admins look to get started with the platform? Thanks for the help! ---
**Author:** ![NateDhaliwal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/natedhaliwal/32/313494_2.png) [@NateDhaliwal](https://meta.discourse.org/u/NateDhaliwal)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2026, 12:59am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-discourse-user-a-few-questions/414985/2 "2026-10-19T00:59:29Z")
> [@opalgeist](#): > > 1. Does Discourse have a desktop client (like Discord)? I’ve seen that Discourse Hub is available for mobile. No, there isn’t an official one. You can use a PWA as a desktop client. There are unofficial ones like [A Social Mobile & Desktop Client for Communities (2)](https://meta.discourse.org/t/a-social-mobile-desktop-client-for-communities-2/408132). > [@opalgeist](#): > > 1. Is there an easy way to turn off AI features in our community? I’ve seen others say that you can turn off the plugin, but mine is set to being toggled on and says it’s pre-installed and can’t be disabled? If you are using the free plan, I don’t think you can disable it. > [@opalgeist](#): > > 1. I’m pretty tech-savvy but not to the point of self-hosting and all that stuff. Is there a place you’d recommend new Discourse admins look to get started with the platform? Self-hosting is pretty easy, actually. It’s mostly just a one-line install if you want the basic installation. Take a look at #Documentation > Site Management and #Documentation > Self-Hosting . If you have more specific queries, feel free to open a topic about it. ---
**Author:** ![singi2016cn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/singi2016cn/32/532755_2.png) [@singi2016cn](https://meta.discourse.org/u/singi2016cn)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2026, 1:26am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-discourse-user-a-few-questions/414985/3 "2026-10-19T01:26:59Z")
1. The best learning resource is undoubtedly the official documentation: [Latest Documentation Topics - Discourse Meta](https://meta.discourse.org/c/documentation/10). Additionally, you can check past related posts or simply post a question directly. Good luck. ---
**Author:** ![opalgeist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/opalgeist/32/581359_2.png) [@opalgeist](https://meta.discourse.org/u/opalgeist)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2026, 1:37am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-discourse-user-a-few-questions/414985/4 "2026-10-19T01:37:51Z")
@NateDhaliwal This is great info, thank you so much! I appreciate it. 🙂 @singi2016cn Ah, thank you! That helps a bunch. Have a good one!