Even if WordPress itself is very powerful and complete, some third party plugins and widgets can enhance its functionality or provide new features, without forcing you to edit a single line of code.
In this recipe, I'm going to show you both basic tasks, installing plugins and widgets, and more complex things such as creating different widget-ready zones on your WordPress theme.
In this chapter, you will learn:
Installing plugins
Getting rid of comment spams with Akismet
Backing up your database with WP database backup
Optimizing your blog performances with WP Super Cache
Adding redirects for changed Permalinks
Getting more comments with the Subscribe to Comments plugin
Accessing real time statistics with WordPress.com Stats
Monetizing your blog with ISIS Ads Management
Extending WordPress search with Search Unleashed
Installing widgets
Making your sidebar widget-ready
Creating two (or more) different widget-ready zones
Modifying core widgets
Creating your...