I get a lot of questions everyday about WordPress. Here are the top 10 frequently asked questions about WordPress.

In the official WordPress website you will find the ultimate definition of the platform: WordPress is open source web software that you can install on your web server to create your website, blog, community, or network. WordPress started out as a tool for blogging, but has evolved into a full-fledged Content Management System (CMS), capable of powering websites, networks, and communities.

WordPress Ecosystem

1.What’s the difference between WordPress.org and WordPress.com?

WordPress.com is a blog network run by Automattic. It uses WordPress software, but individual blogs are hosted and managed by WordPress.com. This is a free service with premium add-ons and upgrades.

At WordPress.org, you can download WordPress, the web software that WordPress.com runs on. Once you’ve downloaded it, you can upload it to a web server and run your own WordPress website.

At WordPress.com, you don’t have to download software, pay for hosting, or manage a web server. You can instead focus on creating wonderful content, and let them handle the rest!

WordPress.com is a great choice for bloggers, photographers, artists, plumbers, doctors, restaurateurs — almost anyone. However,  techies that prefer to maintain full control over their code, should consider hosting their own WordPress installation. WordPress provides a large number of themes and built-in plugin functionality so you won’t need to upload your own  – though you can, if you are a business plan owner.

There is useful information about this distinction on the WordPress.com website.

2. What is included in WordPress.com?

WordPress.com already includes the following features, so you don’t need any third party plugins:

• SEO
• Google Sitemaps
• Backups and security
• Social sharing buttons
• Icons

• “Share to” services
• Image galleries
• Contact forms
• and much more!

They also have over 200 customizable themes to choose from in their theme showcase.

Can I Have Stats and Google Analytics?

WordPress.com stats are built into every WordPress.com site, from their free plan to their Business Plan. If you want to use Google Analytics for more in-depth data, you can integrate it with a site on their WordPress.com Business Plan.

3. Is Advertising and Monetization Available?

If you’d like to earn advertising revenue, they do have an advertising program, WordAds. You can apply for WordAds here; you will need a custom domain name, and your site must meet a minimum traffic requirement. Automatic enrollment in WordAds is also included in the Premium Plan.

Google AdSense and other outside advertising is permitted for sites on the WordPress.com Business Plan.

PayPal buttons can be used on any WordPress.com site. Simple Payments buttons are available on WordPress.com Premium or Business Plan sites.

Affiliate links can be used on WordPress.com sites, provided they are not the primary purpose of your site.

4. Do I get Support?

WordPress.com is a company with dedicated support staff. “WordPress” itself is open source software and is supported by volunteers.

If you need help getting started, it’s best to host your site on WordPress.com where you can access support. Depending on your upgrade, they offer support via email, live chat, and/or support forums.

5. Do I have FTP and Server Access?

You do not have FTP access on WordPress.com, nor do any ways to increase PHP limits or make changes to core WordPress files. If you need these advanced features, or if you’re working with a developer who needs them, a self-hosted WordPress.org site would be the best option for you.

See the alternatives for FTP access on WordPress.com listed here.

6. Can I transfer my blog or website from other services to a self-hosted WordPress installation?

You can transfer any blog or website from any service you wish. They have a list of guides which will help you to transfer from your specific platform.

7. Can I transfer my blog from WordPress.com to a self-hosted WordPress installation?

Yes, it is possible to move from WordPress.com to a self-hosted installation. This guide from Problogger will help you through the steps.

8. Do I need to know PHP to use WordPress?

The only time you would modify your WordPress website with PHP would be when integrating some of the plugins. There are a small number of plugins that still require manual edits to your files. In most cases, clear instructions are usually given within a text file with the plugin. Other than that, you would not be changing any of the PHP files. For advanced information check out Know Your Sources.

9. I don’t know what all the WordPress terms mean: where can I get help?

The WordPress Codex has a Glossary where you can find definitions of many of the key phrases associated with WordPress.

10. Where can I learn more about WordPress?

WordPress was primarily inspired by Noah Grey‘s Greymatter open-source web log and journal software. It is related to b2, sort of a second cousin twice removed.

You can use WordPress to post your own stories, ideas, rants, reviews, links, pictures, etc. In addition, you can customize the look and feel of your site. Numerous themes are available and may be modified in many different ways.

Through the use of WordPress Themes, you can quickly change the look and style of your site. You can also extend WordPress’ functionality through the use of Plugins. Plugins let you create the website or blog that suits your needs. As you can see, its functionality exceeds or at least is similar to what is available in most blogging tools today.

For more information:

• WordPress
• WordPress Semantics
• About WordPress