On behalf of EmbunWeb.com, I just delivered a 10minute speech at WordCamp Malaysia. Now although I made some comments on what could be improved (multiple image insertion, sidebar widget flexiblity etc) … here are my top 5 reasons for loving WordPress!

1. Its Free

Let’s face it. WordPress and other open source platforms won’t be as successful if you had to pay for it. The fact that is it free and current, makes it extremely attractive for everyone.

2. Themes and Plugins

WordPress has plugins for just about everything you can think off – from contact forms or social media, there is something for everyone and if not … there probably is a developer coding it as we speak (or write). Also, not forget the 1000s of themes. Some are free … others you gotta buy .. but hey, no one is complaining about lack of choice!

Looking for themes? ThemeForest is the place to buy beautiful WordPress themes.

3. Wide Support Network

If it wouldn’t be for the 1,000s of developers and designers, WordPress wouldn’t be as successful as it has been. It’s because of these experts and trendsetters that WordPress is and hopefully always be, cutting-edge.

4. Ease of Customization

For me this is key. Whenever you build a website, you need a “CMS” or templating system that allows you take full control of the design, layout etc without going into hardcore coding! Since its earlier days, WordPress has done an extremely awesome job!

5. It’s the best.

For most bloggers, websites etc, WordPress is simply the best in its class. Enough said!

Looking to start your own blog? Head on over to EmbunWeb). We provide free WordPress blog setup (incl theme) and teach you how to get started as well.

WordCamp Malaysia 2010 is the first WordCamp to be held in Malaysia ! It’s happening on the 22nd of May 2010, 9am – 5PM.

WordCamp is a conference that focuses on everything WordPress. WordCamps are informal, community-organized events that are put together by WordPress users like you. Everyone from casual users to core developers participate, share ideas, and get to know each other. WordCamps are open to WordPress.com and WordPress.org users alike.

EmbunWeb.com is proud to be one of the diamond sponsors for the event. As co-founder, I will be representating EmbunWeb and speak for about 10minutes about why I use WordPress, how it has changed with the introduction of social media and what I personally would look for in WordPress.

Did you know that EmbunWeb provides FREE WordPress installation and theme setup when you purchase any hosting plan? Click here for details.

Want to learn how to start your blog with WordPress and make money online?

If you are looking to learn about how to get started in starting a WordPress blog to make money or take your business online? We at EmbunWeb.com provide 1:1 WordPress training to build your website in less than a day for RM499 – and yes, I do conduct some of the sessions as well. So come meet me for a session.

Cloud computing is supposed to be the in-thing for 2010. Well it has been around for a while but surely will replace conventional desktop applications in the near future. I have made the switch and have never been happier.

What is cloud computing? For me it simply means having all my files, emails, pictures and other stuff online via web based applications that make them accessible globally at any time from any PC or Laptop.

I always found it difficult to move away from the traditional office apps like Microsoft office (especially outlook) … until I got my new Dell laptop (finally after a long wait).

Goodbye Microsoft Outlook – Hello Gmail!

This was the hardest decision for me but proved to be golden. For years I have been archiving emails in Outlook which was really handy but working with gigabyte of emails/archives became a pain. Not really sure why I keep all these old messages anyhow! …. I had been using my Gmail account for a while but never made use of its POP3 account features and I was stuck on Outlook.

I gave Thunderbird a try but still dreamed about having all my emails online which would keep them safe (I hope) and does not burden my laptop resources. So finally I GMail another shot but this time I took the time to import all the emails, setup the POP accounts, created filters, label and etc …. so far it has been 3-4days and I am in love with GMail! It is so simple and very user-friendly. With GBuzz I will never look back. Goodbye Microsft Outlook.

so far it has been 3-4days and I am in love with GMail! It is so simple and very user-friendly. With GBuzz I will never look back. Goodbye Microsft Outlook.

Office2010 No More – Hello Google Docs

When I got my new laptop … I did come with Microsoft 2007 trial and got my hands on tha upcoming Office2010 trial CD but damn …. I had been using Google Docs for a while but not that extensively. By comparison, of course Office2007 has a lot more features but I never really use any of them …. I use Excel for simple tables, use Word for simple docs and yeah PowerPoint for rather simplistic slideshows. All this can be done at Google Docs with ease.

I have been fulltime on Google Docs every since. It does everything I need it to do and helps me keep my docs accessible wherever I am. I’m lovin it!

Since I am getting married in April and am in my spending zone, I am in need to replace my current laptop, which honestly was a huge mistake buying in the first place. Don’t buy a Sony – looks good but thats about it.

So as my fiancee may tell you …. I have been bugging her with this for a while …. I need to definitely get a new laptop but also wouldn’t mind the additional juices of a desktop … or both?! And Windows or Mac?

I basically do a lot of web development work – work on Dreamweaver, Photoshop, some video editing, I dont play games ever (I have my xBox for that) and definitely a lot of multi-tasking.

Options: Desktop, Laptop or both?

So here is what I have for options.

• Laptop Only: I would be looking at another multimedia laptop with at least 15+ inch monster. Downside is that I’d be stuck with another big laptop
• Laptop + External Monitor: I was thinking buy a decent (13-14inch) laptop that carries some punch and when working at home, hock it up to an external wide screen monitor. I kinda like this option.
• Desktop Only: Well no brainer but i’d be stuck with my hopeless Sony laptop when moving around.
• Laptop + Desktop: Means I would have a mid-range laptop and a decent desktop to work at home. Problem I foresee are two – 1. File/email synchronization would be a pain (would working with an external hard-drive fix this?) and 2. I am very mobile (not really a problem, just a fact)

OS: Windows or Mac

Macs are cool but been on Windows for so long. Am a lil hesitant about the switch. Had power supply issues with Macs before and service parts cost a bomb!

Since a few people have asked me about my new website after moving from blogspot to wordpress.

Here a little guide on what you’ll need to get started. Not entirely free but worthwhile la. You’ll need a domain, hosting plan (kalau bole), wordpress (themes & plugins) and some imagination.

Domain

First you need a domain. Like mine, kevinzahri.com, but what you choose is really up to you. How much will it cost? for .com or .net its just about RM45/year. For .my domains is RM100/year.

Hosting

Next you perlukan hosting space to host your website. For a site like mine, you don’t need that much web space. maybe a 50+mb (depending on how many images, videos you have la). Plan yang basic yang ekonomical is sufficient it costs you about RM149.99 per year.

If you don’t wanna pay anything, you can look at “FREE” hosting plans or host it with wordpress or other blogging communities.

WordPress

My blog engine is wordpress. probably most popular la kot. You can get it for free either from wordpress.com itself ataupun daripada a hosting plan that have fantastico includes. Fantasico will make installation a piece of cake.

Once you’ve done that you gotta look at themes and wordpress plugins.

Themes

These are all free. just browse at various sites and look for the one that suits you best. Lagi2 you can always change it later.

Plugins

Yes you’ll probably want to get various plugins that suit your needs. I’ll include a list of the ones I use later.

Thats pretty much it. The rest like photo galleries and all. Are up to you.

Need help or want your own? Contact us @ Maxhosting.com.my for free web consultation and quotation.