Wordpress vs GoDaddy Website Template - Security/Backup Issues

[writeraniac]

Angela:

Thank you so much for the great tips. I had hoped not to get involved with exporting and FTP, but it seems inevitable that I learn some basics. I will thoroughly explore all your suggestions!

Yes, this was VERY helpful!

[writeraniac]

Hi, Cindy:

Thanks for addressing the "vulnerability" issues. I tend to be lax about updating to the latest versions of Wordpress because I fear one of my plugins will then crash my site. I tend to have too many plugins and need to eliminate the non-essential ones. As for user names, I'm afraid I've used some really obvious ones. Not sure how to go about changing those names. I'm pretty good about passwords, but do tend to use the same ones for all my sites. I think I know how to correct that issue.

I do install my sites with Fantastico on Hostgator. I buy my domain from GoDaddy, but host on Hostgator. So, are you saying that I shouldn't use Hostgator's Fantastico program anymore?

I have my work cut out for me. But my new business is extremely important to me and I must get it right from the very start.

Thank you so much!

[writeraniac]

Hi, MaAnna (beautiful name!):

Thank you for spending so much time answering my questions. I'm feeling really stupid now! But, I guess I need to swallow the bitter pill of ignorance and "smarten" up quickly.

Your first paragraph makes my head explode. I use Wordpress because I'm such a complete tech-idiot. Fortunately, there are people out there who can help me. But, like so many other people these days, I'm on a tight budget. I know I have to pay for a premium theme and backup plugin, and now I need to get an account with Amazon s3...all of which are mandatory it seems. Unfortunately, to date, I've not made one cent online. Well, I can't risk losing my site (once it's up and running), so I guess I will just have to bite the bullet (or go without eating for a few weeks.

Thank you so much for the free report. I just downloaded it and will read it carefully. I also subscribed to your wonderful blog.

Everyone on this forum is truly amazing (except me, but I'm working on it).

[writeraniac]

Christine:

More great and very wise advice! Thank you so much.

I've definitely seen the folly of even thinking about using anything but Wordpress. I am alarmed and I am scared, but with all the information I've been given, I am not feeling as paralyzed as I was last week. I am motivated to move forward.

Debbie

[writeraniac]

Hi, Regina:

Yes, the feedback has blown my mind. As a forum newbie, I thought I would be notified by email when someone replied. So I've been waiting for answers. Then, I had the "bright" idea of checking the forum itself. Duh! You can't imagine my surprise and delight when I found all these incredible responses. I feel so blessed to have found this forum. Thank you Lynn for directing me here.

Regina, thank you for providing me with so many great recommendations. How can I ever thank you enough? I've been in terror over creating another website/blog. I'm calming down now that I know I'll be armed with the right tools to combat some of the vulnerability issues. I do realize that nothing is completely safe, but at least I will be able to minimize the risks.

I feel like I've just had a crash (no pun intended) course on Wordpress security, and I am so very grateful to everyone in the forum.

I've subscribed to your newsletter, Regina, and will be buying BackupBuddy through your link as soon as possible.

Gratefully yours,

Writeraniac (Debbie)

[writeraniac]

Hi, Debra:

Thanks for addressing the website template issue. You've brought up several important issues and I'm convinced that Wordpress is the best way for me to go. Yes, it requires a lot of maintenance and updating, but it also offers great flexibility. I can see where the pros far outweigh the cons.

Just one question for you: Do you think I should backup my site on a regular basis? Just kidding! I always back up daily, but am now horrified to realize that I was only backing up my database. All in all, I would say I've been EXTREMELY lucky to have had five blogs that have not crashed in the four years I've had them. Whew! Lesson learned, I'm saving my pennies to buy BackupBuddy ASAP.

Thanks again for all your great advice!

Best regards,

Deb

[writeraniac]

I just want to thank everyone again for all your great replies. You've been incredibly generous with your time. You've provided me with solid information, recommendations, freebies, leads, and sound advice.

I'm a writer, but words truly fail me at this time.

Warm regards to all,

Deb

[DebraLloyd]

Hi Debbie,
Once you get into the swing of it and a routine it's really not that much work to maintain word press and it's no different no matter what system you are on it still needs to be done.

One thing I would suggest is to get LastPass to manage your passwords - its FREE and brilliant - will make your life so much easier and you only have to remember ONE password which is your primary to access LastPass - hence the name the last password you'll ever need to remember.

Cheers,
Debra

[writeraniac]

Hi, Debra:

Thanks for the recommendation! Am I being paranoid for worrying about LastPass being compromised and then losing all my passwords to some hacker? Nothing is fool-proof, for sure. I'm just a nervous Nelly these days. Guess that's because my new business is do-or-die time for me and I'm trying to cross all my "t's" and dot all my "i's" prior to installing the new site.

One question regarding LastPass: What happens when you want to access your sites from a public computer? Does that create another vulnerability issue? (Okay, that's two questions.)

Thanks again for the great suggestion!

Warm regards,

Debbie

[Lynn Terry]

I just want to thank everyone again for all your great replies. You've been incredibly generous with your time. You've provided me with solid information, recommendations, freebies, leads, and sound advice.

I'm a writer, but words truly fail me at this time.

Warm regards to all,

Deb

They're awesome, aren't they? So glad you joined us here on the forum.

Feel free to hop on ANYtime you have a question!