MediaWiki:Config-profile-help

Wikis work best when you let as many people edit them as possible. In MediaWiki, it is easy to review the recent changes, and to revert any damage that is done by naive or malicious users.

However, many have found MediaWiki to be useful in a wide variety of roles, and sometimes it is not easy to convince everyone of the benefits of the wiki way. So you have the choice.

The Open wiki model allows anyone to edit, without even logging in. A wiki with Account creation required provides extra accountability, but may deter casual contributors.

The Authorized editors only scenario allows approved users to edit, but the public can view the pages, including history. A Private wiki only allows approved users to view pages, with the same group allowed to edit.

More complex user rights configurations are available after installation, see the relevant manual entry.