Blogging software is divided into two categories: hosted and server model. Hosted software is free and easy to use, while server model software offers more options but requires more knowledge. LiveJournal, Blogger, TypePad, and Blogware offer hosted software, while Movable Type, Word Press, and Textpattern are common server model options. It’s recommended to start with hosted software and upgrade to server model if needed.
Blogging software falls into two basic categories depending on the type of hosting used by the blogger. Hosted blogging software is designed for bloggers who don’t host their own websites. Software designed for bloggers who host their own sites is often referred to as server model software. The type of blogging software you need depends entirely on the type of blog you intend to run.
Some hosted blog software is free. This template allows bloggers to create posts that are stored on a central server along with the rest of the blog information. The host handles database maintenance, which can get quite complex for blogs with a large number of entries. Several companies offer hosted software similar to their server model software, to encourage users to try their product for free and upgrade if they wish. Free hosted software is usually very basic, while users can upgrade to paid versions of hosted software with more options.
Server model blogging software usually offers a much wider range of options and is designed for bloggers who want that flexibility. It usually requires more knowledge of HTML and the use of a server and is accompanied in some cases by customer support. While beginning bloggers may use server model software, they may be better served by free hosted software as they decide whether or not blogging is right for them.
LiveJournal and Blogger both offer free hosted software. An account usually includes a subdomain that the blogger can use, so visitors can type blogname.host.com to access the blog. For users who want more features, a paid version of LiveJournal is available. Additionally, TypePad and Blogware offer hosted software for a minimal monthly fee. Hosted software also comes with a bandwidth limit, which usually starts at about two gigabytes per month.
Hosted blogging software is a good choice for beginning bloggers. It’s easy to use, and there are numerous online tutorials to assist bloggers who want to customize the look of the blog or add special features. Usually users log into their online blog account to make entries or change the look of the blog. Many paid services also support mobile publishing, allowing bloggers to submit posts using mobile phones.
Server model blogging software is designed to be installed on a server that the blogger pays for. This type of software also allows bloggers to have an individual domain name. Some hosting services offer blogging packages and will install server model blogging software on their servers, along with any scripts and tools the blogger may need. This is an excellent option, as installing blogging software on a server can be an ordeal.
If you choose a server model blogging software, Movable Type, Word Press and Textpattern are the three most common and easy to use options. Movable Type and Word Press expect users to have a basic understanding of HTML and databases, while Textpattern has tools for bloggers with limited skills.
If you are interested in starting a blog, we recommend starting with hosted software to get a feel for it. Bloggers all have different preferences for their blogging software and it usually takes some trial and error with different systems to find your favorite. If you find a hosted service you like, consider purchasing the server model software for more blogging power and less throttling on content and bandwidth.
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