I’m aware there is plugins used pulgin, but I’d rather write a bit about the ones I use. None of these have caused me any trouble at all! Here they are:

• AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget (drop-down) Version 1.2: I installed this plugin so users could have a faster and easier way to bookmark my site (or a specific post) to their favorite social bookmarking system. It has caused me no problems. I downloaded it from this site.
• Akismet: I activated it (since it came by default with Wordpress) because a spam killer is a must in any site!
• All in One SEO Pack Version 1.2.9.5: Another “must have” for every site. It adds a box under text box where you write pages and posts where you fill in the title, description and even keywords. It’s easy and actually works! Download the latest version here
• Breadcrumb Navigation XT Version 1.7: Adds a little diagram on pages letting users know where they are, and containing links to the pages that got him there. An example is under the title of this page right above this post. It’s customizable so don’t worry about how it’ll look, tweak the CSS a bit and you’re good to go! Download the latest version here.
• cForms II Version 5.4: A customizable ajax contact form that is extremely versatile. I recommend this contact form. I’ve never had spam problems with this form. Download it here.
• Dagon Design Sitemap Generator Version 3.12: Fully customizable sitemap generator. You do nothing. Saves time and effort, great for when your site has many pages. Download it here. View mine here.
• Democracy Version 2.0.1: Easy to use poll manager/creator. Uses ajax and looks very appealing. Download it here Page is down.
• Enforce www. Preference Version 1.3: This is great for SEO. Enforce main page to be viewed with www or without, however you’d prefer. Download it here.
• External Links Version 2.10: It’s good to identify external links so your users know they’ll be leaving your site. This plugin does that work for you, you can even make it open all outgoing links in new windows and other cool stuff too. [It puts those little icons next to teh external links] Interested? Download it here.
• FeedBurner FeedSmith Version 2.3: Redirects Feeds to open in FeedBurner. I downloaded it here (I can’t find the specific page)./li>
• Lightbox JS v2.03.3 Plugin Version 1.7:Overlays images on current page. I use this on some tutorials and on my Free Layouts page. Download it here.
• Search Everything Version 3.9.9.5: Pretty self-explanatory. It even give syou the option to exclude certain pages from search. Download it here.
• Subscribe2 Version 3.8: Let users subscribe to your site! It’s easy to use and manage. Download it here.
• WordPress Database Backup Version 2.1.3: Backup Wordpress in just a few minutes, whenever you’d like. You can also choose to have scheduled backups. Download it here.
• Wordpress Download Monitor Version 1.5: Easy to use download monitor, reliable. I absolutely love it. Has template tags you can add to your sidebar, like the one I have that shows the Top 5 Downloads. Has other amazing features as well. Download this wonderful plugin here.