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A simple slideshow that provides a brief look at the WordPress backstory + additional information and recommended sources for themes, security measures, hosts and more.
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Up & Running with WordpressOct 22 & Oct 29, 2014Judy Wilson / site shack web design____________________________copyright 2014 Site Shack Web Designall rights reserved
WordPress is . . .
blogging software
a website publishing platform Publishing Platform
a Content ManagementSystem (CMS)
WordPress is an open source (cost-free + developers can contribute to it --
with plugins, widgets, themes) blog publishing and
“content management system (CMS)”
using HTML + CSS + PHP and MySQL
How is Wordpress aContent Management
System?
And what is a Content Management System
anyway?And what is a Content Management System
anyway?And what is a Content Management System
anyway?And what is a Content Management System
anyway?And what is a Content Management System
anyway?
some backstory
In the old days in the world of Web site building, Web sites were built so that each page was its own self-contained document. Users needed to know HTML to maintain (update, change) the site.
This worked (not very well) and there continued to be a clearly defined need for non-technical end users to have the ability to update their own Web sites -- i.e., to have the ability to add/modify/delete content (copy and images).
In response, different companies formed (not to mention individuals) to provide a solution, namely a means of building a Web site “application” that would allow a user to manage or maintain his or her content. (Blogs were/are a sort of limited type of CMS.)
By approx. 2004 - 2005, many CMS/blog platforms had grown and matured to the extent that they offered a stable and robust Web site creation solution for professional developers and end users. This is what happened with Wordpress, which began in 2003 as a simple platform for blogging.
The first version of Wordpress (ver 0.70) to be available for download was on May 27, 2003. It was created by Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little.
WordPress is “owned” by automattic.com of which Mullenweg is founder and CEO.
There have been 71 WordPress releases in all. The current version is 4.0.
Each version brings increased stability, security and cool bells and whistles.
If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice
a year.If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated
when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice a year.
If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice
a year.If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated
when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice a year.
If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice
a year.If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated
when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice a year.
If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice
a year.If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated
when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice a year.
If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice
a year.If you have a Wordpress site, your current version should be updated
when the new version is released. Major releases come out about twice a year.
codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_Versions
so . . . back to the CMSthe CMS
Hmm. Do I have to bea techie to use Wordpress?a techie to use Wordpress?
Not officially.But you might get a warm techie
glow.
wordpress.com
vswordpress.orgwordpress.orgwordpress.org
wordpress.com
• It’s free and easier to set up than the self-installed (dot org) version
• Everything is taken care of: setup, upgrades, spam, backups, security, etc.
• Your blog lives on hundreds of cloud servers, so it’s highly unlikely it will go down due to traffic
• You will have to pay to use your own domain name.
en.wordpress.com/features
wordpress.org
• Ability to upload themes, including “custom themes”
• Ability to upload plugins• Complete control to change code and make (or
have made for you) custom modifications• You’re responsible for backups, updates and
security
en.wordpress.org/about/features/
I’m guessing Wordpressis pretty popular?is pretty popular?
en.wordpress.com/stats
wordpress.org/download/counter
IMO
• Ease of UseWorks almost perfectly out of the boxIncredibly flexibleScales up and scales downGlobal developer communityGlobal developer commitmentAmazingly well documentedFriendly to non-tech usersFree
FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Some advantages of WordPress
Ok.I want a Wordpress
site.And I want to host it
myself.Where do I begin?Where do I begin?Where do I begin?Where do I begin?
Self Hosting
• Choose a domain name• Select a domain registrar• Find a web host (curated or non-
curated)
You’ll need to:
Domain name registrars
• www.dotster.com
• www.register.com
• www.bluehost.com (also provides WordPress hosting, 1-click install)
• webservices.thesba.com (Small Business Authority) - includes domain registration.
• www.mediatemple.net/wordpress-webhosting.php (Media Temple) - includes domain registration.
• www.bluehost.com - includes domain registration.
• www.site5.com - includes domain registration
• It’s possible to install WordPress on a Windows server, but WordPress is really designed for a Linux environment.
Self managed or - non-curated
Recommended Hosts
• www.wpengine.com
• www.websynthesis.com (recommended by Yoast Temple) - includes domain registration, uses Linux platform
• www.getflywheel.com - includes domain registration, uses Linux platform
Curated or Managed
Recommended Hosts
‣ Pro: It makes setup easier. No need to know anything about “DNS.”
‣ Con: If you have a falling out with your web host, you can switch hosts without losing or having a hassle transferring your domain name to a new web host. Likewise if your registrar gives you problems, you still have access to your web host.
Is it ok if my host and domain registrar are at
the same account?
A word about one-click installs. Use a bit of caution with these. They are ok to use, but some hosts will also bundle hundreds (!) of extra themes. Make sure your one-click will not do this.
The more themes, the better your chances of being hacked. Some themes are coded in such a way that they can be easily exploited by hackers. You will also need to confirm that various security features are in place after install.
In other words, don’t “save money” by going with a cheap host or registrar.
Be aware.
• Set your domain name to auto-renew or pay for multiple years.
• After you search for your domain name, buy it.
• You get what you pay for: cheap ($3.95 a month e.g.) host accounts typically live on servers already stuffed with hundreds or thousands of other accounts, leading to slow downloads, increased vulnerability, long waits on customer service and so on. But it’s getting better.
• Beware the “You Needs” (private registration, free trial offers, additional security that costs $ etc).
• Check your shopping cart before you pay.
• Don’t cheap out.
Be aware, cont.
Where are all the files?or What’s FTP?
‣ FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a means of moving Web site files from your computer to the Web host’s server (which is connected to the Internet).
‣ How do I get an FTP?
• You will need to download and install a FTP program
• (Mac > Transmit or Filezilla and Windows > Filezilla)
• NOTE that your web host account will include and FTP account
• codex.wordpress.org/Hardening_WordPress
• Use salt in your wp-config.php file -
• api.wordpress.org/secret-key/1.1/salt/
• Don't use "admin" as your user name!
• Don't use a wp_ prefix for your tables.
• Use long (at least 8-12 characters) random, non-sequential passwords or have the host auto-generate your password (meaning: you won’t find it in a dictionary)
• Get into the habit of changing your password(s) every 3 months.
• KNOW IF/HOW/WHERE TO BACKUP and RESTORE YOUR SITE INCLUDING THE DATABASE.
• Scan your site: sitecheck.sucuri.net
Be hyper-vigilant!
Recommended Theme Sources
www.elegantthemes.com
my.studiopress.com/themes
www.inkthemes.com
Genesis - Framework or Parent/Child - $59.95 or buy both
www.themeforest.net
www.templatic.com
www.vivathemes.com
Ask yourself:Is it responsive?Is there a forum?
Is it free?Generally, do not use a free theme.
wordpress.org/plugins/browse/popular
www.tipsandtricks-hq.com/list-of-the-best-and-must-use-wordpress-plugins-535
Recommended Plugins
Backup Buddyithemes.com/purchase/backupbuddy
yoast.com/wordpress/plugins/seoYoast SEO and Google Analytics
wordpress.org/plugins/addthis
www.contactform7.com
wordpress.org/plugins/sucuri-scanner
Social Media integration & tracking
Forms - basic
Security
code.tutsplus.com/categories/wordpress
www.wpbeginner.com
www.lynda.com
codex.wordpress.org
wpnashville.com
2014.nashville.wordcamp.org
Recommended Resources
yoast.com/articles/wordpress-seo
The Class / 10.221. Host setup and WordPress Installation2. Dashboard3. Toolbar4. Posts5. Pages6. Managing Content
The Class / 10.291. Themes & Widgets2. Plugins3. Permalinks4. SEO5. Maintenance & Security
Finally. Time to Install.
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