WordPress is free, open-source software for building websites. It began as a blogging tool and now runs everything from personal blogs to large business sites and shops.
WordPress.org vs WordPress.com
| WordPress.org (self-hosted) | WordPress.com | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The software, which you install on your hosting | A hosted service run by Automattic |
| Plugins and themes | Any | Limited on lower plans |
| Control | Complete | Restricted by plan |
| You look after | Updates, backups, security | Much of it is handled |
| Where it runs | Your hosting, e.g. Traxio | WordPress.com’s servers |
On Traxio you use WordPress.org — the full software.
What it needs
- PHP and a MySQL/MariaDB database — both included
- An SSL certificate for HTTPS — free and automatic
- Somewhere to install it — your domain’s
public_htmlor a subdomain
Softaculous installs all of it in a couple of minutes. How to install WordPress with Softaculous
The parts
- Core — WordPress itself
- Themes — the design
- Plugins — added features
- The database — posts, pages, settings and users
wp-content/uploads— images and files you upload
Your responsibilities
Keep core, themes and plugins updated, use strong passwords and take backups. These guides cover each: Updating WordPress, themes and plugins safely, How to secure a WordPress site, How to back up WordPress.
Choosing somewhere to host WordPress? Traxio’s WordPress hosting includes one-click installs, LiteSpeed caching and free SSL, with your first 30 days free.
New to Traxio? Hosting is 30 days free with no card needed, then £0.99 a month. See what’s included