WordPress is the world’s most popular blogging platform, primarily because it’s easy install, easy to customize, easy to update and oh, so easy to use! There are three ways to set up a WordPress blog:
1 – Open a free account at WordPress.com, go through a 5 minute sign-up process, then start blogging. This is the fastest and easiest way to get started blogging with WordPress, but it is also the most limited.
2 – Purchase a domain name and a web hosting package, then download and install the latest WordPress files from WordPress.org. Although this “self-hosted” method is the most difficult route to take, it’s still pretty easy and you’ll have virtually unlimited control over your blog’s look and functionality.
3 – Purchase a domain name and a web hosting package that includes an automatic installer for the WordPress files (most use Fantastico), then instruct the installer to set up a working installation of WordPress on your server.
If you decide to use the hosted version of WordPress at WordPress.com (option 1 above) you won’t have to worry about updating anything as the folks at Automattic will update the software for you. If you decide to self-host your blog however, you and only you will be responsible for keeping your core WordPress files and plug-ins up to date. Perhaps you’re wondering “Why bother?”
Well, there are a couple of reasons why it’s absolutely imperative that you keep your WordPress installation up to date:
1 – Every major WordPress upgrade adds new features that are really neat, often incorporating capabilities or functions into the core WordPress files that were only available previously via a plug-in.
2 – Even more important, both minor and major WordPress upgrades fix bugs that could make your blog unstable or susceptible to hackers.
For some reason hackers seem to love wreaking havoc with WordPress blogs. I’ve had a few of mine hacked over the years, and let me tell you it’s no fun. Every time an exploit starts hitting WordPress blogs, the folks at Automattic immediately get to work on an update to plug the security hole.
If an upgrade is available for your WordPress installation, the next time you log into your WordPress control panel you’ll see a notice to that effect at the top of the screen. All you have to do is click the “Upgrade Automatically” link and the upgrade will be installed for you. Note 1: It’s always a good idea to back up your WordPress database before installing an update. Note 2: Always update your plug-ins immediately after updating WordPress itself.
Conclusion: Updating your WordPress installation is fast and easy to do, and failing to do so at the earliest opporutunity could leave your blog vulnerable to attack from hackers.
About the author: Rick Rouse is the owner of RLROUSE.COM as well as an avid blogger.