Unlike other services of Automattic, VaultPress is geared strictly towards self hosting WordPress blogs (aka WordPress.org) as a data backup service that protects a bloggers data in the even that their hosting company dies, kidnaps their site or (worse case scenario) is attacked by hackers.

Despite being in a imited beta, WordPress is charging brave souls $15 a month per blog (which works out to be $180 a year) to entrust their blog’s entire content to the VaultPress crew.

For those of you wondering if you should give Automattic your cold hard cash or choose an alternative, here is this authors take on VaultPress (both the good as well as the bad).

The team of IOIX Ukraine have developed a new WordPress plugin, SearchPlugins in collaboration with Splashpress Media, owner of this blog, to power the search function of your site, WordPress blog. After months of hard work we now are taking applications to our (closed) Beta program and will slowly roll out the new plugin, while we add more features to the functionality.

We are now taking applications to join the closed beta program and will on a regular basis add new Beta testers to the platform

To view results of the plugin just use the search functionality here at BloggingPro or check out the results for a search for blogging success here at BP.

How Does It Work?

Search Plugin by IOIX Ukraine can replace the WordPress standard search functionality with only one click. After activation of the plugin, you must enter your API key, which grants you access to the use of the proprietary search engine, and can then configure the plugin to replace the WordPress search functionality without having to make any design changes.

Once configured the search engine crawler will crawl the content of the sites you wish to include to your search results: you can add sites with use of the plugin or you can add sites you like to add related niche results. Best results are obtained if you install the plugin on all sites you wish to include in your search results.

Why Opt for Search Plugin by IOIX Ukraine?

Contrarily to most plugins, this search plugin is powered by an external, new search engine, with own algorithm, all while offering easy and seamless integration with your WordPress design. All you need to do is install the plugin, activate it and enter your API key.
In the plugin settings you can then replace the standard WordPress search with Search Plugin by IOIX Ukraine. You can even configure the plugin to automatically update whenever a new version is released.

Another main feature is that you can easily add several, owned or not owned, sites to the plugin’s search functionality, similarly to Google’s Custom Search Engine. Additionally you have the option to design the complete results page within the plugins settings and add your own (Adsense) ads or other content to the search results. Enjoy complete theming freedom

With every site you build there are going to be security risks and issues, there is no way around this, it is going to happen. All we can do is minimize the damage, be ready for it and take action. WordPress is now the most popular Blogging Engine, this will not mean an increase attacks, but it will have the highest potential of attacks.
I haven’t included Akismet, because I am sure everyone has heard about it.
Antway, here are my Top 10 Security Plugins for WordPress.

1. WordPress Database Backup

Description: This plugin does exactly what it says, it backs up your entire WP installation. This has got to be one of the first plugins you install upon first installation. You can back it up to your hard drive, on a server or even to a specified email address. Whether it be a rogue plugin or a hacker (or yourself) that crashes WP, WP Database Backup will reinstate everything as it should be. I like to think of it as my “WP system restore“.

2. Semisecure Login

Description: Semisecure increases the security of your WP Login, it uses client-side MD5 encryption on the password. JavaScript is required to enable encryption. When JavaScript is not available, the password is transmitted in plaintext (as normal), but authentication still completes in this case.

3. AskApache Password Protect

Description: This will secure your WP Admin with a very powerful htaccess password protection, preventing all unwanted bots from entering your site.

4. Force SSL

Description: For those will an SSL certificate, the Force SSL plugin for WordPress forces for an HTTPS connection for security purposes. This is useful for those who with to enforce a higher level of security regarding the delivery of WordPress content to the browser.

5. WP Security Scan

Description: I love this plugin, it scans your site for security issues and checks passwords, file permissions, database security, WP version hiding and WordPress admin protection/security. It also makes me a little paranoid.

6. Secure Files

Description: This plugin allows you to upload and download files from outside of your web document root for security purposes. When used in conjunction with a plugin that requires a user to be logged in to see your site, you can restrict file downloads to users that are logged in.

7. WP-SpamFree

Description: I had heard a lot about this plugin before I tried it, it said it is better than Akismet. To be honest I never noticed much difference (I get 500+ spam a day at the moment) between the two. User choice I suppose. I wish there was a way to stop the spammers instead.

8. BackUpWordPress

Description: Almost identical as the first plugin, just not as straight forward. The list of features goes on and on, this is for the WP Pro. Some features: Database backup including uploaded files, plugins, etc.; EMail notofication on new backups; Trigger backup manually; Set schedules for your backups; restore backups; Staggered SQL import; Automatically continue unfinished backups in background; Language Support. (And thats just the Easy Mode, wait until you see the advanced).

9. Anonymous WordPress Plugin Updates

Description: Anonymizes the plugin update checking system which is a new feature in WordPress 2.3. The plugin prevents WordPress from transmitting a list of active plugins, the blog url and WordPress version. Ideal for privacy-aware administrators of WordPress installation.

10. Replace WP-Version

Description: (We have all read about the security issue of showing your WP version, this resolves it).
If you’re running an older version of WordPress, anyone can view source to see what attacks might work against your blog. This plugin replace the WP-version with a random string < WP 2.4 and eliminate WP-version > WP 2.4.

Description: Deepest Sender is a full blogging client for Firefox. This means that instead of having to go to the Update page on WordPress, or loading up a separate client program, all you have to do is hit Ctrl+\\, or click the button in your toolbar, and you can start posting. A truelly amazing extension.
Note: It will run on the following Browsers Firefox, SeaMonkey, and XULRunner.

Description: DashBlog is an extension that allows you to take videos on any webpage and then quickly post them to your WordPress blog.
Note: When it says “take“, I am sure you will ask the owners permission first.

Description: Clipmarks lets you capture exactly what you want others to see (text, images or video). You can then post anything you clip directly to your WordPress blog.
Note: As well as WordPress it also supports Blogger and Typepad.

WordPress Helper FireFox Extension

Description: This extension gives you useful help and tools when you work with WordPress. You will have quick and simple access to the WP Codex. It’s also possible to search after strings of text that is currently marked. Furthermore it’s possible to easily switch to WordPresss backend of the current site. More than that, a small Icon indicates wether the currently displayed website makes use of WordPress. I have just installed this plugin, I hope it is as good as I hope.

Screen grab to WordPress! FireFox Extension

Description: This addon will grab a screen capture of any size, andallow you to directly upload it to WordPress (2.5+).

WordPress.com FireFox extension

Description: When you install this FireFox extension, you will get a tiny status bar panel that shows your current daily hits. You can right click the panel and hit “View Stats Details” and FireFox will happily take you to your normal stats page on WordPress.com. Small but useful.

Zwordpress FireFox Extension

Description: ZWordPress is a firefox add-on that lets you manage your wordpress blog in a faster way using keyboard shortcuts and more features.
Some Shortcuts: ALT+Z+Z: View site ; ALT+Z+X: Dashboard ; ALT+Z+Q: Write a post…

WordPress Post FireFox Extension

Description: This extension lets you post the text you select in your browser directly into your WordPress blog. Its simple to write a post, you can either click or drag the text to the statusbar icon, or use the browsers context menu.
Note: You also get the option to add text (i.e. quotation marks) before and after the selected text and even a hyperlink to the site from which you made your selection.

Monkiri FireFox Extension

Description: Monkiri lets you grab any part of a web page and instantly publish it either on your Monikri blog or send it to your Blogger or WordPress blog.

ScribeFire FireFox Extension

Description: ScribeFire, an extension of Firefox, enables users to easily drag and drop formatted text from the Web into their blog(s), post entries, take notes, and optimize their ad inventory, directly through the Firefox browser.
Note: Additionally ScribeFire allows you to: Categorize and tag your blog posts ; Upload images ; Set timestamps ; Save works-in-progress as notes ; Post an entry as a draft ; Share your posts on social websites ; Upload files via FTP.

Kaalaga FireFox Extension

Description: Easily link interesting phrases in your posts to relevant content. It uses OpenCalais (Reuters) semantic API to suggest phrases in your text suitable for linking, and Google search to present relevant links for selected phrases.
Note: It also works on Blogger, LiveJournal and TypePad.

Is your WP blog badly in need of some drastic action, something you just don’t have the time to do, has your theme been corrupted, are you losing control of your blog and simply need to bring it back in line?
A sledge hammer would probably work but try these WP plugins first. If they don’t work, tell me about it and I will post you a sledge hammer myself (only joking).

I have a website which launched well over a year, I had the time to maintain it at the time, and to be honest I then neglected it for a few months. I finally went back and discovered I had thousands upon thousands of spam comments as well as some ads which I had never placed there. I started deleting them, and I just couldn’t go on, it was taking far too long, so I abandoned it and, I suppose, the site as well. Recently, I have revisited the site and decided to relaunch with new theme and very heavy anti spam protection.
Incidentally, I haven’t changed theme on FW Extensions as yet, but I have deleted the comments and bad ads.

WordPress Suicide

The Problem : Ever wanted to wipe the slate clean and start blogging without any baggage? It takes a hell of a long time to go through every post deleteing every setting, every comment… It is actually time consuming and pretty difficult to do unless you’re comfortable using the mysql client on the command line (or phpMyAdmin).
The Solution : Install WP-Suicide, activate it, and you’re just a single click away from blogging salvation. In other words, this plugin gives you the power to delete all your blog posts from the database in one fell swoop, as well delete categories, comments, links, custom fields, and your blog settings.
Note : By default, this plugin will delete all content associated with your blog except users and settings. That way you’re left with a functional, though effectively empty blog. Consider backing up your blog before using WordPress Suicide.

WP Suicide Screenshot – How many plugins give you this warning?

Manageable

The Problem : The time involved to edit all your posts or pages takes a long time (especially if they run into the hundreds), it would be nice to edit each post without having to load up an edit page from WP Admin.
The Solution : The WP-Manageable plugin allows for inline editing of the date, title, author, categories, tags, status and more on both posts and pages without leaving the “Manage” admin sections. No need to load each post or page individually. Simply double-click anywhere in the post or page row and when you’re done, press enter. Alternately, you can click the link in the new “Edit” column.
Note : WP- Manageable has been integrated into the core of WordPress and will be included within 2.7 (with some speed improvements).

Manageable Screenshot

WP-CMS Post Control plugin

The Problem : Say you are running a blog with multiple authors, you are going to want to control certain elements to maintain stabilty and consistency. You may not want guest writers having access to custom fields, the preview button, trackbacks, excerpts, anything. this is the plugin for you.
The Solution : Post Control builds upon the new controls in WordPress 2.7 to give you complete control over your write options. It not only allows you to hides unwanted items like custom fields, trackbacks, revisions etc. but also gives you a whole lot more control over how WordPress deals with creating content! This helps you use WordPress more like a CMS, alowing you to totally customise what your authors see and use.
Note : The latest version of Post Control covers all features of WordPress 2.7 and is a substantial upgrade over the previous version – including full admin over-ride of hidden panels from users of lower levels.

WP Mass Page Maker

The Problem : Ever had the need to create multiple pages or posts and dreaded the idea of doing it manually?
The Solution : Mass Page Maker is an admin panel that gives you the ability to create as many pages or posts as you like in a matter of seconds. It can create posts and pages that are either immediately published or have draft status. True to WordPress function, the page names are modified to replace any foreign characters and spaces. Sounds too good to be true, It isn’t.
Note : Currently tested successfully with the latest version of WordPress, 2.7.

Admin Management Xtended

The Problem : This plugin is similar to Manageable, and you have a lot of posts that need to be mass edited and you just don’t have the time…
The Solution : As a whole, the new WordPress Admin panel is organized fairly well, however when it comes to editing posts or pages quickly without having to open each post or page in a new tab or window, it isn\’t a very efficient process. For those who are using WordPress as a CMS, it’s important to be able to manage contents easily and quickly. That\’s what this plugin helps to do.
It adds some icons to the posts/pages management panel with AJAX-driven CMS-known functions like toggling post/page visibility, changing publication date and title without having to open the edit screens or reload the page, plus changing page order with drag & drop, inline category management and inline tag management, plus much more.

Batch Categories Plugin

The Problem : You need to change the category of some posts to another, or you want to delete some posts from a certain category.
The Solution : This WordPress plugin lets you batch edit your posts: assign multiple posts to a category or delete multiple posts from a category in one fell swoop. Version 1.2 and above also support WordPress 2.3’s in-built tagging system, allowing you to tag and un-tag multiple posts at once.

TAC – Theme Authenticity Checker

The Problem : You download a WP theme from third party site (always, always download a theme from the authors homepage or from a site that you trust, ie. Smashing Magazine, Theme Forest…) and you suspect there maybe some code hidden within the theme and you don’t know how to remove it.
The Solution : Scan all of your theme files for potentially malicious or unwanted code. Be aware of advertisements or dangerous JavaScript inserted into legitimate themes by third party theme download sites.
Note : Future versions will allow checking of other theme vulnerabilities.

DigoWatchWP

The Problem : You have noticed that a text link has appeared on one of your posts, or an Ad you haven\’t authorised has appeared within your footer, what do you do?
The Solution : DigoWatchWP scans your blog posts and pages for changes. Whenever an entry has been changed it informs you via email. So if you receive an email and you have nothing changed you should have a closer look at your post or page. Maybe somebody changed your post or page to include a spam-link (e.g. links to OnlineCasino, adult-content are very popular).