My list of cool tools, applications, software, services, and fixes.
Favorite Hosting
- Google Domains
My favorite domain hosting - I trust Google for many other things, so why not domains? Plus, their DNS is REALLY fast, their UI is clean and simple, AND you can easily share domain control with trusted users.
- Google Workspace / G Suite / Google Apps for Business – email hosting
THE place to host email - $6 per user, per month; great integration with Chrome, Android, docs, sheets, and tons more!
- SiteGround – Web Hosting
FAST setup. Free Let's Encrypt SSL, fast support, simple tools, reasonable pricing.
MUST HAVE installs…
- Backblaze
If you don't have Backblaze backing up your data... don't call me. It's a MUST have, MUST pay for tool.
- LastPass
This is, without a doubt, THE most important application for people to have on their computer AND mobile devices! Too many people use the same passwords everywhere - they need to use this to generate secure passwords, and not have to worry about remembering them.
- Dropbox
2Gb of free cloud storage. Having this installed (and setup properly) on your phone, it will auto-sync photos, so you get the original, full-resolution version of the images. Plus, if you lose your phone, your photos are already backed up.
- Image Resizer Powertoy for Windows
If you do much digital photography, YOU WANT THIS. Resize your images quickly and easily to any size by just right-clicking and choosing “Resize”.
- KeePass Password Safe
While I use LastPass *every* day, I'm anal... I also use KeePass to keep another local, encrypted password safe. Enter one password, have access to a personal database of all your other passwords and info.
- Revo Uninstaller
Uninstalls programs and all the leftover junk like old registry entries that programs tend to install.
- Windows Live Essentials
Microsoft's "Photo Gallery" application is STILL a fantastic tool. I wish they'd update it!
Favorite WordPress plugins…
- ALL my favorite WordPress plugins
ALL of the Plugins that I've added to my "favorites" list on WordPress.org. The other items on this list are my MOST installed plugins.
- Anti-Malware Security and Brute-Force Firewall – WordPress plugin | WordPress.org
**MUST HAVE** This tool has saved my butt several times. I've given this guy a few hundred dollars. AMAZING software that will find and remove malware from taking over your WordPress site!
- Rename wp-login
Don't want hackers to even TRY to get to your WordPress site? Install this and set a weird/custom/unique login URL (instead of /wp-admin).
- Simple Custom CSS and JS
If you want to tweak your CSS or add some JavaScript - and NOT lose it when you change or update your theme, THIS is the plugin to use!
- Child Theme Configurator
Easiest way to create Child themes, so that you can make tweaks/changes to a theme, and not lose them when the main theme auto-updates.
- Easy Updates Manager
Most web hosts don't auto-update WordPress. THIS is a GREAT plugin that lets you control if WordPress Core, Plugins, Themes, and other gets auto-updated or not.
- IEWP Simple Google Analytics
A very simple plugin that adds the Google Analytics tracking code to your site(s) - UNLIKE other GA plugins that also use/track your user traffic for their own purposes.
- Link Library
The original WordPress software had 'favorite links' / "blogroll" - but NOTHING like this... This is POWERFUL if you use it well! *THIS list is created using Link Library!*
- OG (Open Graph)
Open Graph is a common framework that many sites use for sharing links, to get meta data about the post. This plugin has worked well for me over the years. No configuration, it just works.
- Shortcodes Ultimate
SO many great shortcodes... I even bought the paid version so I could create my own shortcodes.
- The SEO Framework
A great plugin that helps you with SEO for each post, and your site. Lots of options, but simple enough to use.
- URL Shortener by MyThemeShop
GREAT short URL / redirector tool to simplify links when sharing on social, or when you just want to easily track clicks.
- Wordfence Security Firewall
Another *MUST HAVE* It will watch for cross-site scripting attempts, "DDOS" attacks and more. NO WordPress site should run without this!
Favorite Chrome Browser apps and extensions…
Other links and notes...
- Yahoo Domains / Yahoo Small Business / MelbourneIT
This/these are one of THE WORST domain and webhosting services and control panels on the planet! PLUS, it’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE to find when you login to your account. NEVER use them. Get OFF of their services. And if you can't find their links, they are: https://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/ and https://www.melbourneit.com.au/
