# New to Discourse? Start here!

**URL:** https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-to-discourse-start-here/1
**Category:** Announcements
**Created:** [February 1, 2013, 4:52am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-to-discourse-start-here/1 "2013-02-01T04:52:28Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![Discourse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/meta/user_avatar/meta.discourse.org/discourse/32/148734_2.png) [@Discourse](https://meta.discourse.org/u/Discourse)
#### Post date: [February 1, 2013, 4:52am UTC](https://meta.discourse.org/t/new-to-discourse-start-here/1/1 "2013-02-01T04:52:28Z")

</div>

👋 We’re so glad you’re here! This is our official community, where you can connect, ask questions, and share ideas about [Discourse](https://www.discourse.org), a powerful platform for support, teamwork, and everything community.

You’ll find topics here on features, bugs, hosting, development, and general support.

## Want to run your own Discourse site?

There are a couple of great ways to get started:

- [Official hosting & migration services](https://www.discourse.org/pricing)  
Fully managed by the team that builds Discourse – ideal for those who want peace of mind and expert support.

- [Use the free, open source code](https://meta.discourse.org/t/142537)  
A fast and streamlined option if you prefer to self-host. Get up and running with our easy 30-minute [official install](https://meta.discourse.org/t/142537?silent=true) instructions.

# Want to try Discourse before setting up a site?

Check out our demo sandbox at [try.discourse.org](https://try.discourse.org/) where you can test features, explore the interface, and see how it all works, no setup required.

# Thousands of communities are using Discourse

✨ Browse our [Discourse Discover](https://discover.discourse.org/) directory to explore active communities built with Discourse, or check out our [customer list](https://www.discourse.org/customers) and [case studies](https://blog.discourse.org/tag/success-stories/) to see how others are using Discourse in the wild.

## Stay in the loop

Be sure to check out our [Announcements](https://meta.discourse.org/c/announcements/67) category for the latest updates, blog posts and important news from the Discourse team.

## Before you post…

A quick search before starting a new topic helps everyone. Here are three easy ways to find information:

- [Search](https://meta.discourse.org/search) to see if your question has already been answered
- Browse our [Categories](https://meta.discourse.org/categories) to find the best place to post or find answers
- Check the [Hot topics](https://meta.discourse.org/hot) to see what’s trending

As you participate here, we’ll get to know you, and temporary new user limitations will be lifted. Over time you’ll gain trust levels that include special abilities to help us manage our community together.

We believe in [civilized community behavior](https://meta.discourse.org/guidelines) at all times.

Enjoy your stay!