WordPress FAQ

Below are a number of frequently asked questions regarding WordPress and WordPress themes.

What is WordPress?

WordPress is a free content management system (CMS). WordPress makes creating and maintaining websites easy through an online interface. Once WordPress is installed on your domain and web hosting, all you need is a computer and internet connection to edit your website. If you can use Microsoft Word, you can operate WordPress.

What do I need to have in order to use a WordPress theme?

You can use website templates in the free WordPress software platform. In order to use one of these templates or themes, you will first need:

• a basic understanding of WordPress and HTML that you can acquire from websites and forums online - this is how I scraped together what I know.
• a domain name: Instant Domain Search helps you to find the right domain name.
• web hosting (Linux platform): you can choose from a wide variety of good ones; I picked Blue Host.
• the free WordPress software installed: get it at wordpress.org, then install it on your web hosting platform.

How can I Purchase a Theme?

You can find free WordPress themes online. If you want a higher level cms website, however, purchasing a quality WordPress theme is a good investment. Again, if you search online, you will find several websites that sell quality WordPress themes. Take your time and research them thoroughly. I did, and I ended up choosing the Magazine WordPress theme from Brian Gardner’s Revolution series. These templates take your WordPress to a higher level, and you can also monetize your website by adding Google Adsense or other ads to them. You can pay through their secure online system via credit card or Paypal. Once payment is remitted, they will send you a link to download your theme.

Can these themes work on WordPress.com?

No, these sophisticated CMS WordPress themes are created for the self-hosted version of WordPress which is available at WordPress.org.

Are there any tutorials for using WordPress?

Yes, you can find virtually everything here: http://codex.wordpress.org.

For a smooth headstart, an excellent WordPress tutorial program is available from Sherman Hu, one of the top WordPress authorities.

Where can I find answers to my specific questions about customizing or the themes?

After purchasing a Revolution theme, you can ask any specific questions at the forum of your fellow theme users. I find the support forum a great place to ask more specific questions related to theme customization.