Freeware Discus has two methods of user account creation: having a moderator add users individually and having a moderator upload a user list for automatic creation. Discus Professional adds a third possibility: allowing users to apply for accounts and/or to create their own accounts immediately.

To add users, log in to administration as a moderator and access the User Manager. Click the link corresponding to the group to which you wish to add users. Under "Add a User" enter the username and the password (twice) for the account you wish to create. Supplying the e-mail address and full name of the user is optional. Click the "Add this User" button to complete the process.

The ability to create user accounts from a delimited list is most helpful when adding users who have pre-registered for a conference or students who will be taking a class. To add a user list, log in to administration as a moderator and access the User Manager. Click the link corresponding to the group to which you wish to add users. Copy your user list from the source document (e.g., Excel spreadsheet) and paste it into the box under "Add a User List." Click the "Add these Users" button and follow the resulting instructions.

Discus Professional contains functionality to permit users to register themselves, or to apply for accounts that the moderator then approves or rejects. At the discretion of the moderator, who configures this option, the account can be instantly granted or sent to a queue where it is later approved or rejected by a moderator.

If you enable user self-registration whereby the applications are queued, the accounts must be approved by a moderator before they can be used. Accounts are approved when the moderator logs in to administration, clicks "User Manager," and follows the prompts to approve the new accounts.