When WordPress is first installed it’s appearance leaves much to be desired, but the whole look can be changed at any time by the use of “Themes”.

The WordPress program consists of a number of modules and folders. One of the folders ‘wp-content’ contains two folders ‘plugins’ and ‘themes’ As downloaded there are two themes in the latter; ‘classic’ and ‘default’. But there are a multitude of themes available; some free, some you pay for. Having selected a theme you upload it to the Themes folder, where it can be used to change the whole look and feel of your site.

This can be done at any time without losing any content. How neat is that?

There are many ways to configure your site. It is all explained in the WordPress website, but to find information is like looking for the proverbial needle. There’s so much information it’s overwhelming.

But there’s a simple solution. There is a set of excellent Camtasia videos that takes you through the whole process, from installing WordPress using Fantastico, choosing themes, configuring WordPress; even shows you how to make money from your blog if you so wish.

These videos are short and to the point; no fluff. I used them like this. First off I looked at the whole 13 videos. Then as I needed information I put up a video in one Window and opened WordPress in another Window. Then I could toggle between the two on the taskbar at the bottom of the screen.  Picking up a bit of information I  paused the video. Clicking on the WordPress page I used that information. Then back to the video.

WordPress Unleashed

Camtasia videos can be moved on or back by dragging the indicator, so it’s easy to review the same piece of information as often as you wish. I’m  not a great fan of instruction videos, but I found this set remarkably well presented.

To find out more about WordPress Unleashed

One thing;  I found some of the illustrations not quite the same as on my screen. Although the video set is quite recent, things change quickly.  But by taking note of the headings to click on I had no problems.

I’m still using them and will be for some time.  Intended to be sold at $47 they’re a steal at $7 only.  Unless you enjoy ploughing through the WordPress support file, tutorials and forums.

This website is all about building websites and, over time, will cover as many facets of this fascinating subject as I can think of.

It is built using WordPress. WordPress is well known as a blogging platform and many people simply use it to publish their thoughts and opinions to the world. But it can be used as a conventional website with a little knowhow.

WordPress is an open-source program which means that it is open to development by vast numbers of volunteers, many of whom are brilliant programmers who enjoy the challenge. It also means that it’s free.  You can download it here, but read on before you decide to do so.

WordPress is programmed mainly in PHP, a language that needs a PHP processor to run it. Fortunately most web hosts offer this facility. After downloading WordPress and unzipping it, one module has to be modified before you upload the whole program  to your server. The modifications are details of the database you have to initiate on your host’s server. There’s information here on installing WordPress including the “famous 5 minute install”

If you are fortunate enough to have a web hosting company that uses Cpanel, you’re on easy street. Using Fantastico you don’t need to download WordPress at all. Just click on the Fantastico logo, select WordPress and fill in a simple form. Then Fantastico does it all, including making the database. When it’s done, by filling in your email address, Fantastico even mails you details, including database name, user name and password. It’s magic.

I made this site using Fantastico. And it’s the latest version. If there’s a new version I can just go back into Fantastico, click the mouse and bingo!;  it’s upgraded. I’ve just used this facility on my Forge-Ahead blog.

The hosting company I use and recommend is Hostgator. I’ve
used them for several years now and they’ve served me well

Click the logo to find out more.