Confused about whether you should choose WordPress.org or WordPress.com? It really depends on your requirements! But here's some information to help you decide...
WordPress.org
WordPress.org is where the free open source WordPress files reside. You download these files and install them on your own hosting account and, for that reason, this is called self-hosted WordPress. This is the most flexible way to use WordPress. It has no restrictions, unlike WordPress.com.
WordPress files are often available from your hosting provider. You install them using a one-click script installer such as Fantastico, SimpleScripts or Softaculous. This makes installing WordPress quick, easy... and virtually foolproof. However, there are some serious disadvantages to using a one-click installer...
These scripts use the same naming conventions for every installation, making it easy for hackers to guess database prefixes, user names, etc. Plus, they often use an outdated version of WordPress and leave tell-tale unwanted installation files. These things can leave your website vulnerable to cyber attack. Finally, some plugins, such as BuddyPress, only work properly if WordPress is installed manually. While you can fix most of these things during or after the installation, because of all that, it's sometimes faster to manually install WordPress.
A free open source licence, usually using the GNU General Public Licence (GPL), means that developers have the freedom to use the GPL licensed source code and to freely modify and redistribute it. WordPress is licensed under the GPL.
Note: The word "free" in "free open source" does not refer to the price! However, the WordPress code from WordPress.org is free of charge, although some plugins and themes do cost money. And, of course, programmers and Web designers charge fees for customization services.
Why choose WordPress.org?
- You want full control over your own Web site!
- You prefer not to have to pay for "premium" services.
- You want a completely customized Web site or blog.
- Tip: You can start with a theme and customize it, so you never have to start from scratch, unless you really want to.
WordPress.com
WordPress.com uses the single-vendor commercial open source model. In this case, a commercial company limits and directs the development of their iteration of an open source software application. This does not prevent another company from taking the same open source software and doing something different or even similar with it.
A company called Automattic.com owns WordPress.com which uses the GPL licensed WordPress source code. Automattic.com's CEO (as of January, 2014) is Matt Mullenweg, one of the founders of WordPress. The company has taken the GPL open source software called WordPress and created a fully-hosted WordPress option, providing a service for bloggers who don't need the power and flexibility of a self-hosted platform.
To use WordPress.com you must register for an account and abide by the company's Terms of Service. This version of WordPress has many restrictions; it is similar to using Google's Blogger service. You do not install any code on your own hosting account with WordPress.com. WordPress.com's premium services are fee-based, although it's basic version is free.
Why choose WordPress.com?
- It's your first blog or hobby site and you are okay with the restrictions.
- You want a simple solution where everything is managed for you.
- You don't need to customize the look of your site, other than to choose one of the provided templates.
Hi,
I am looking to have my first website and with a big learner sign on my back.
Could you please answer my question that is , if I build a website choosing WordPress.org, I must have my own hosting account, which means with Bluehost or Hostgator etc, is that correct?
Thanking you for your trouble.
Regards,
Neil
Yes, that is correct, Neil.
When I started my blogging journey then my first question was, Why I should choose WordPress.org and not other CMS softwares.
I searched a lot about it on Google at that time and I found that everybody is recommending to use WordPress.org and I started doing the same.
Now today I know that why people should choose WordPress.org . Because WordPress is an independent and easy to use content management system.
The best thing about it is, We can bring any feature in our website with just using a single plugin. That’s really good. 😀
I am using WordPress.org since last 3 years and I loved it. 😀