You can adjust the discussion forum gadget settings to control the appearance of the page and the ability of visitors to read, respond to, and post forum topics.
Gadget settings appear in a setting panel on the left side of admin view (which can be hidden to maximize the page design area). To display the settings panel, you position your pointer over the gadget – while editing a site page – then click the gadget's Settings icon.
If you want to learn more about discussion forum settings, check our Discussion forums help topic.