"Subscriptions" What are they in computer world?

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

You refer to "forums." Forums means what in computer world? "How to find you forums "subscriptions" from my profile:" What 'profile' are you referring to? And where do I find/have this 'profile?' What does it contain? And if I don't have one, should I? What purpose does it serve? Will it make using this machine any easier?

Allan Jones showed you how to access your subscriptions above. To access your profile, tap on your avatar (that circular picture to the left of your username (the name that displays when you post here)). Then tap on "View Profile."

In these forums, the term "Subscriptions" rather non-intuitively means your forum activity. That one does not have a cost attached but has confused many users here.

How to find you forums "subscriptions" from your profile:

Many apps in the Mac App Store use subscriptions. The apps are typically free to download and then have a free trial which will automatically turn into a paid subscription if you don't cancel before the trial ends.

Examples from Apple include Apple Music, Apple TV+.

Another example is Microsoft Office. It is still possible to pay a one-time purchase fee for Microsoft Office on a Mac but Microsoft Office also offers "Microsoft 365" which is a subscription that you pay monthly or annually for Microsoft Office (and that is the only option for iPads).