In this current incarnation, a user sees what has been updated indicated by the blueness of the folder icon next to it, but this changes by what machine you're using to check the forum, rather than the username, which is how most message boards I use operate, and the way I much prefer. If I'm out of town or something and want to use someone else's computer to check the forum, I have to figure out what's been updated and not. Then, when I get back to my own machine, I have to figure out what I've already read, etc. Will the new software count the updates according to the logged in user, or the way it currently does?
(If any of that didn't make sense, just ask and I'll try to clarify.)