WordPress is platform or software system that has been designed for blogging and content management. It is released by WordPress.org as open source and has been designed by a team of writers that can only be described as the general public. Anyone can work on the program particularly the themes and plugins. As a blogging platform it is excellent and is very easy to learn to use, even for a computer novice. There are many themes and theme variations ranging from single column to four or more columns. Two and three column themes are the most popular. The theme designs are unlimited and are only limited to the imagination of the theme writers.
To use WordPress you just install and it is ready to go. Use the default theme or download a theme you like and install. You can write blog style chronological entries or dedicated content pages. The blog contents are only limited by the writers style, imagination and effort.
Once you get the hang of WordPress you can start to install plugins that have been designed to make life easier. Plugins range from anti spam, comment management, RSS or email subscription management, advertising and side bar management just to name a few.
A word of warning when using plugins. WordPress loads all installed plugins irrespective of their activation status. Every plugin you install will slow the program just that little bit more so if you do have plugins installed but not activated and you have no real intention of using them, delete them.
One of the features of WordPress is that it is really made up of modules. The header or top part of the blog is one file. The sidebars are individual files as is the footer and the separate page files. This means that once you become experienced in the use of these files and you can do quite a lot to customize it to your taste.
If you enjoy blogging and want an industry standard robust blogging platform then I really do recommend WordPress. Most self hosted domains include WordPress at no extra cost which is an even better option. It can be installed through the Fantastico control panel. You can also apply most upgrades through the same control panel.
If you want to blog then I highly recommend WordPress.
