Today’s blog post is dedicated for people who just thinking about starting their websites powered by WordPress and want to know more about this popular platform. We will focus on the basic questions that might be confusing for beginners. Before managing your work with WordPress, firstly you need to understand the main essence of this software and its great capabilities, so it will be easier for you to run with it.
We compiled for you this list of the most frequently asked questions to help you get the clear impression about WordPress:
1. What is WordPress?
WordPress is a free open source web software that you can install on your server to build your website or blog. It was first released in 2003 by the founders Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. WordPress was started as the blogging tool, but now it is the most popular CMS (Content Management System) which is powering more than 20% of different websites, networks and communities on the web.
2. What is the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?
It’s quite necessary to single out these two websites:
WordPress.org is the main website that provides free software which you can download as well as other free and premium plugins, themes and applications. Also WordPress.org provides great support forums, blog and documentation. Developed by and for community.
WordPress.com is a hosted version of WordPress software which is great for beginners to start the blog without any additional technical skills. Though it has free hosting, but limited amount of customization options. There are many other pros and cons, but you get to choose. If you decide to switch to WordPress.org, you need to move your blog and obtain for a new domain name and url address.
3. What are the main features of WordPress?
There are many awesome features of WP functionality, but we will highlight the most important ones:
- simple interface and template driven design;
- custom themes (free and paid);
- multipage posts;
- posts’ previews and scheduling;
- spell check;
- enhanced plugins with advance options;
- various sidebar widgets;
- extensive APIs;
- multi user and multi blogging;
- integrated stats tracker;
- spam protection;
- auto save;
- password protection;
- multi-site technology;
- dynamic page generation;
- automatic ping, etc.
4. Do I need to know any programming language or have any additional knowledge to use WordPress?
No, you don’t need to have any special technical skills. You will be able to do all necessary modifications with your future website or blog through the user-friendly admin panel.
The only time you would edit your theme with PHP is when you need to integrate some of the plugins. There are a small number of plugins that still require manual edits to your files. Otherwise, you can purchase the ready-made WordPress theme with already integrated Page Builder plugin such as from GT3 Themes.
5. What are the minimum requirements to run WordPress?
To run WordPress your host needs PHP version 5.2.4 or greater and MySQL version 5.0 or greater. But just in case, check the requirements at WordPress.org before downloading.
6. Which hosting service to choose?
Better to find the most suitable hosting provider which is compatible with WordPress platform and is characterized by its reliability and security. You can learn more about this topic by reading our post about Best hosting services.
7. How to install WordPress?
When you choose web hosting, domain name and url address, you should get the theme (free or premium) for your website. Then you need to download and install the latest version of WordPress software from WordPress.org and unzip the file you have downloaded. For getting more detailed explanation, you can use our knowledge base.
8. Can I turn my WordPress site into the online store?
Of course you can. The only thing is that you need to add eCommerce plugin to your WordPress functionality and make all necessary changes in design to adjust your website to the online store.
9. What mobile apps are supported by WordPress?
WordPress has the applications for iOS, Android and BlackBerry to make it easier to share photos, write posts and edit the content while on the go.
10. How to upgrade WordPress to the latest version?
First of all, check the requirements for the new version and if they are remained the same, create the backup of your database. Then you need to go to Tools > Upgrade. Click the button Update Automatically and you are all set.
In this post we tried to cover the key aspects about WordPress, but if you have more questions you can use such great resource as Codex help from WordPress.org which has amazing database with all necessary explanations and manuals.
