WordPress now powers millions of websites around the world and its popularity continues to grow daily.
Whilst there is a huge amount of information out there for new and existing users, this popularity has its downsides for someone discovering WordPress for the first time. Information overload is a genuine problem as is a lot of the advice given by those with limited knowledge.
This report aims to examine and explain the very basics of WordPress to the uninitiated - what it is, what it can do and how to use it yourself, in simple English and avoiding jargon as much as possible. It will lay the groundwork for anyone learning about WordPress for the first time.
What Is WordPress?
In the simplest terms WordPress is a publishing software package used to build websites of all types. It began life as a blogging tool but has evolved into a very powerful and flexible software that can build all manner of things. You may hear it referred to as a "CMS" or Content Management System too.
Who Uses WordPress?
Millions of websites and blogs are powered by WordPress. It is used by everyone from individual bloggers to large corporations.
Why Is It So Popular?
In short, because it is very good. It is (relatively) easy to use, very flexible and powerful, and has a huge community support network and is also supported by a huge commercial marketplace.
In the following pages we will explain and attempt to answer all the questions a complete newcomer will encounter as they delve into the world of WordPress for the first time. Let's begin by clearing up one of the most common causes of confusion over WordPress - even for those who use it already....
WordPress is free software. However, this statement in itself doesn't tell the whole story. There are basically two "flavours" of WordPress and this in itself causes immense confusion online. Let's examine the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and which of the two best suits your needs.
Whilst there is a huge amount of information out there for new and existing users, this popularity has its downsides for someone discovering WordPress for the first time. Information overload is a genuine problem as is a lot of the advice given by those with limited knowledge.
This report aims to examine and explain the very basics of WordPress to the uninitiated - what it is, what it can do and how to use it yourself, in simple English and avoiding jargon as much as possible. It will lay the groundwork for anyone learning about WordPress for the first time.
What Is WordPress?
In the simplest terms WordPress is a publishing software package used to build websites of all types. It began life as a blogging tool but has evolved into a very powerful and flexible software that can build all manner of things. You may hear it referred to as a "CMS" or Content Management System too.
Who Uses WordPress?
Millions of websites and blogs are powered by WordPress. It is used by everyone from individual bloggers to large corporations.
Why Is It So Popular?
In short, because it is very good. It is (relatively) easy to use, very flexible and powerful, and has a huge community support network and is also supported by a huge commercial marketplace.
In the following pages we will explain and attempt to answer all the questions a complete newcomer will encounter as they delve into the world of WordPress for the first time. Let's begin by clearing up one of the most common causes of confusion over WordPress - even for those who use it already....
WordPress is free software. However, this statement in itself doesn't tell the whole story. There are basically two "flavours" of WordPress and this in itself causes immense confusion online. Let's examine the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org and which of the two best suits your needs.
