How-To Blog

Blog Platforms and Software

There are several popular blog platforms available to choose from depending on your needs. They range from free platforms and free hosting to monthly fees and the ability to maintain the platform yourself. Below is a table with some comparisons of the three most popular blogging platforms. These are ideal starting points for beginner or amateur bloggers. Those looking for more flexibility and complexity can follow the links below the table to additional blogging platform pages.

	blogger	word press	typepad
themes	x	x	x
auto-save	x	x
spell check	x	x	x
image hosting	x		x
multiple authors	x	x	*
comments	x	x	x
spam control	x	x	x
widgets		x	x
ad (revenue)	x		x
mobile updates	x	x	x
track backs	**	x	x
tags	x	x	x
rss	x		x
pings	***	x	x
stats		x	x
import		x	x
export		x	x
FREE	x	x

'*' Multiple authors is available in typepad for pro level users ($)
'**' Blogger offers 'backlinks' a similar option, however not a trackback
'***' Blogger currently requires users to manually ping services after every post or use a third party software

Blogger (free+hosting)
Word Press (free+hosting)
Typepad ($4.95/month+, hosting)
Drupal (free, software download, no hosting, programming knowledge)
Soapblox ($75 + $15/mo)
Scoop (free, software download, no hosting, programming knowledge)

Idealware, in partnership with CompuMentor/TechSoup, has published a detailed report that compares seven top blogging tools, including Blogger, Typepad, Word Press, and MovableType. You can view the report at http://www.idealware.org/blogging_software/ (registration required, donation suggested.)