What version of WP do you use ?

G.

I'm definitely no expert but 2.8.4 is the one to go with I think. It means it'd the most up to date and fixes any recent security issues.

And I'm sure that Jeff Johnsons SEO plugin has been updated. I certainly had an email mentionig an updated version.

Can't work out why there would be only 2 themes tho. You can add your own ones in there but there should be loads in it already.

Probably depends on how it was installed.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Andy

Always use the most up to date version of WP. Don't go backwards on an installation. The versions are there to keep out the hackers. If you use an older version, you make your site vulnerable.

The plugins usually will say "works with version 2.5+" (or whatever version you have) which means it should work with the most recent version.

Those that do not work with your current version will tell you "cannot activate plugin - fatal error" or words to that effect. Normally it will not crash your site, you just simply won't be able to use it.

Talking about Wordpress themes, there are thousands of free themes available. Just google "wordpress theme" and if you don't work out your requirements first you will spend the rest of the day and possibly tomorrow looking at the variety available.

Firstly, themes come in 1column,2column and 3column. I personally prefer the 3column theme (a side bar both right & left) and the main infor central. I find this style allows for great monetization however, it also depnds what you want your blog for.

Wordpress has come a long way in the last few years and updates now are nearly handled automatically. Get the latest version as most likely there have been "fixes" added or new processes included.

Its best to self host your blog and most good hosting companies provide free the latest updated Wordpress script. Its available through the CPanel then Fantastico.

With regard to themes, once you have found one that suits your purpose, you will have to personalise it with your own header. You will find a file such as "header.jpg" in the folder for your theme. Take note of the size of the graphic and replace this file with your own using the same file name & size.

I use v 2.6.5 but I also have my blogs secured as it does not use the standard wp..

I just wanted to point out a incorrect post - Using the "latest" version does not make you secure as posted above.. Older versions can be even more secured, just depends upon who and how you are securing your blog...

James

I used to use WP, but I know am a Drupal convert.

The latest version is always the best. Wordpress has updates all the time and it's better to get a plug-in to update or even do this via your Cpanel.

When I started with wordpress, I didn't know how to really used it and almost all the tutorials used earlier versions.

But after some experimenting and tweaking I've been able to get around without any problems.

One things about plug-ins, not all plug-ins would work with all WP themes. It would depend on the particulat theme. Like for example widgets, not all themes are widget enabled.

In my experience, Fantastico has always been a few months behind in the wordpress version they make available, while Simple Scripts has been a little better, though still behind on the latest version.

If you want the 'latest' wordpress version, you willl have to install it yourself, as cpanel provider's are dependent on Fantastico and 'Simple Scripts' to upgrade their versions to the latest.

But even for non-techies... I feel its worth the effort to know how a wordpress install is done. You have more knowledge of the where the various components are, which really helps in troubleshooting your install, in securing it further, and when selling the site.

There's really only 3 more steps needed for a manual install:
1. Set up the database, which is really just a matter of choosing the database name, username, and password.
2. Unzip the wordpress zip file.
3. Enter the above database information in the wordpress config file.

Everything else is the same, so I highly recommend taking the few extra steps involved in a manual install, for all of its benefits.