WP Super Cache
Pages generated by WordPress are dynamic and can use a lot of server resources when loading, especially with heavy plugin use. WP Super Cache serves static versions of PHP pages, speeding up a site considerably.

Akismet
This plugin protects a site by blocking comment spam. It will also cut down on moderation time and reduce the site’s overhead.

All in One SEO
A site is only as successful and effective as its SEO. All in One SEO will optimize meta tags and post titles, while also helping to avoid problems such as duplicate content.

Google XML Sitemap
A site map can help a blog become more visible to search engines and increase its ranking. The plugin does all the work automatically, without having to edit any files or call scripts.

CForms II
A contact form is an easy, secure way for visitors or customers to get in touch. CForms is a sophisticated plugin that outputs a powerful contact form that allows for attachments and multiple instances.

WordPress is an excellent start to a personal or business site. Using the plugins above will ensure security, stability and good search engine placement. For those who are inexperienced, it may be useful to engage the services of an SEO or design expert to optimize the site.

These are my favorite plugins – Jude Kirk, 2011

1. FastestChrome

This little add-on streamlines internet browsing by pre-loading “next pages” and allowing users to preview links just by scrolling over them. As the add-on’s name implies, there really is no faster way to use the internet. “Power users” and internet addicts alike use FastestChrome to get all the information they need in the most efficient way possible.

2. Wikipedia Companion

Just about every web user knows how powerful the Wikipedia community-created online encyclopedia is. This Google Chrome add-on allows users to check Wikipedia without leaving the web page they’re on. Whether it’s fact-checking or background information that needs to be looked up, Wikipedia Companion gives its users access to a wealth of knowledge as they browse their favorite websites.

3. TooManyTabs

Occassionally, one might find themselves opening so many tabs that they get lost among the many pages they have open. As user Cameron Fisher states, “TooManyTabs helps keep track and organize all the separate pages that I’ve opened, whether it’s doing research or shopping online”. No matter how complex your internet surfing can get, TooManyTabs will keep all your multitude of pages neat, clean, and organized.

1. AdBlockPlus

For many, surfing the internet can be a pretty obnoxious experience – especially with the onslaught of ads they are confronted with each time they hop online. AdBlockPlus blocks almost all those annoying pop-ups, banner ads, and self-playing videos with ease. No add-on offers a better ad-free experience than this one.

2. LastPass

The name for this add-on comes from the concept of creating “the last password you’ll ever need”. As add-on devotee Mark Paton says, “Lastpass keeps all account information, from e-mail to Youtube and Facebook, in one secure, convenient location”. With this Mozilla Firefox add-on, users can make their actual passwords more complex and secure, as only the master password is needed to access them.

3. Personas

Users looking to spice up and customize the look of Mozilla Firefox can do so very conveniently with Mozilla’s own Personas add-on. It offers a massive gallery of themes that can be applied to the browser, giving it the look and feel that you find most aesthetically pleasing. Switching between themes is a breeze, too, as there’s no installation for new ones necessary once Personas is added on.

1. Avira Antivirus

This all-around antivirus suite runs quietly and efficiently in the background, notifying users only when it needs an update. Its “Luke Filewalker” virus scanner keeps the malware at bay. As user Sue Lang says, “Avira acts like a good antivirus should, providing great protection without taking up too much memory”.

2. Malwarebytes Scanner

When a virus has found its way on your computer and you need to get rid of it, Malwarebytes is the way to go. It offers “quick scan” and “full scan” options on its free software, combing your entire system for viruses and adware that may otherwise go unnoticed with other antivirus scanners.

3. Microsoft Security Essentials

This basic but effective program is available for free to all users running Microsoft Windows software. As evinced by its name, the program gives users all the “essentials” they need to keep their computer safe from attack.

4. AVG Anti-Virus

Though it tends to run a bit resource-heavy, AVG is one of the best free antivirus suites out there. It has a powerful malware and virus blocker, stopping would-be attacks before they can be installed on your computer. As a bonus, AVG also comes with an advanced link scanner, which keeps web users from clicking on potentially dangerous links.

5. Norton Antivirus

For those willing to go a more expensive route, established company Norton offers a full security suite rich with features. It comes complete with a powerful firewall, a spam filter for e-mail, and even parental control settings for family computers.