This is a simple doc which explains how bit are used in param column in the SQL table user. When your application use on bit, please add it here. ...WXYZ bit 0 is Z bit 1 is Y bit 2 is X [...] etc bit 0: Used to know if we print nick handle, or fname/lname . See comments.php3 1: he wants to show his first name / last name 0: he wants to show his login bit 1: Used to know if the users wants to receive the newsletter or not. 1: he wants to 0: he doesn't want to (default) bit 2: Used to know if the users wants to display posters' signature in comments 1: signatures are hidden 0: signatures are visible bit 3: Used to prevent unwanted form submission because of caching, 1: no verification on referer 0: check referer bit 4: Used to tell if you don't want to appear in recent user connection 1: you DO NOT WANT to appear 0: you are ok with that. You will be listed then.