The Two Faces of WordPress

WordPress is a fantastic website platform that is now extensively used for blogs, websites, and a combination of both.

But it has 2 very different faces that most people don’t know about. Which can cause a great deal of confusion when WordPress is discussed.

Both versions are free, which adds to the confusion. If only wordpress has given them different names . .
OK, here we go. This will be pretty painless.

Version 1.
The WordPress hosted blog at WordPress.com
This is a centrally hosted and maintained system where where you sign up for an account, log in, and start creating your blog.
Wordpress provide you with free web hosting space, and specify what you can and can’t do on the website.
It is the equivalent of the services provided by Blogger and Typepad, and other free blog providers.

This is great for personal sites, or to publish articles, etc. that link back to your main website.

However, due to the restrictions and limitations imposed by this centrally hosted system, it is NOT suitable to use as your main website if you intend to set up a business related blog.

2. The Self Hosted Version: – from WordPress.org

This is the version of WordPress that is installed on your own hosting account, either by downloading the software and installing it manually, or by using the “Fantastico” installer which is available from most web hosting companies.

It is THIS version which is VERY powerful, due to the way it is written, and the thoussands of plugins and extensions which can enhance the basic platform to create just about anything you need in the way of a website or online business. (This website runs on self hosted wordpress, using the free atahualpa theme. )

So if you see people talking about installing plugins and templates, and discussing all the wonderful tricks that they perform using WordPress, it is THIS version that they mean.

Cheers,
Eric G.