WordPress offers a large number of plugins to add functionality to your site. They range from anti-spam comment filters to helping you build a small-scale social network.

To activate a plugin

Login to your WordPress Admin area.

Click Plugins.

Click Add New.

Search for the plugin you want to use, and then click Install Now.

Click Activate Plugin.

How you manage and use the plugin depends on its developer. You can view all of the currently installed plugins by clicking Plugins on the menu.

Note: Some WordPress plugins can slow your site's performance. Deactivating plugins and then testing your site's performance again can help you troubleshoot speed issues.

To Deactivate WordPress Plugins:

Login to your WordPress Admin area.

Click Plugins.

Select all of the plugins you want to deactivate, and then from the Bulk Actions menu, select Deactivate, and then click Apply.