Introduction to WordPress
- What is WordPress?
- How do I get my own WordPress blog?
- How do I use WordPress once I have my own blog?
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1. What is WordPress?
WordPress is an online blogging software that is available to those who register for a free account.
2. How do I get my own WordPress blog?
- Visit the WordPress site at http://www.wordpress.com.
- At the top of the home page, you can click either of the links for starting your blog. These links have been highlighted with red in the image below.
- After clicking on the link, you will be requested to provide a Username and E-mail Address. Provide this information in the appropriate textbox indicated below. If you enter a Username that is already taken, you will be prompted for a different one.
- To receive a blog, you must also check the box agreeing to the legal terms of WordPress and make sure the radio button next to Gimme a blog! has been selected. Once these have been checked, click on the Next button.
- Assign a domain name to be used in your blog's URL (web address). Notice that WordPress automatically uses your Username (in this case andrewitc), but you can change the domain to something that might be easier for others to remember. You cannot, however, alter the wordpress.com component of your blog's address.
- Assign your blog a title in the textbox.
- Use the pull-down menu to select the primary language to be used on the blog.
- If you do not want to publicize your blog, uncheck the box next to Privacy. Your blog is still viewable to anyone on the internet, but unchecking this box will make it more difficult for those on the internet to find your blog through search tools such as Google. Finally, click on the Signup button to submit your request for a blog to WordPress.
- If your submission is successful, you will receive the following message informing you to check your e-mail to complete to complete the registration process.
- Check you e-mail for a message from WordPress with the subject "Activate domain.wordpress.com". Click on the link provided in the e-mail message.
- After clicking on the link, a page should load in your internet browser confirming the completion of your registration. The page will also inform you of the Username and Password that you will need to log into your WordPress blog. After noting your password, click on the View your site link to visit your blog.
- Login to your site by clicking on the Login link in the lower right of the blog's home page.
- Supply your Username and Password in the appropriate boxes and then click the Login button. You're ready to start blogging!
3. How do I use WordPress once I have my own blog?
For basic help on using WordPress, see our help on blog basics. For more advanced topics on using WordPress, refer to the help at wordpress.org.
Last updated Sept 28, 2007 by initials ahm