We recommend everyone update immediately, particularly if your blog has open registration. The vulnerability is not public but it will be shortly. In addition to the security fix, 2.5.1 contains over 70 bug fixes.

Be safe WordPressers!

Download WordPress 2.5 here.

If you are new to blogging or don’t have the resources to host your own blog, you can always create a free account at WordPress.com. Other popular choices include Blogger and Blogspot.  When you do decide to get serious, it is worth the effort to host your own blog.  As I mentioned in a previous post, quality and inexpensive hosting is widely available.  This blog uses a very affordable plan from GoDaddy.com.

The reason WordPress is so compelling is that it is open source software.  You can customize the look and functionality of your blog to your heart’s content.  What’s more, there is a very active developer community that creates all manner of plugins that extend the functionality of the WordPress core features.  The vast majority of these plugins are free of charge and you can find many of them in the plugins directory.

Bear in mind, WordPress was created for use by the technically savvy and the hobbyist as well.  Getting started is easier than you think and there is great documentation as well as a very helpful community of current WordPress users.

Give it a shot and let me know what you think!