The following is my top 10 list of Joomla extensions. These are extensions that I have used over and over on dozens of sites. They all add some specific and important website function, from editor to forms to security to newsletters.
JCE A Content Editor for Joomla
I have been using JCE editor since 2007 and I keep using it because it is rock solid and has great support. I install it on every site I work on because it has functions like Image Manager Extended, Media Manager, and File Manager that I can’t live without. And every year I buy the subscription to JCE premium plugins. It’s worth every penny.
Support
One of the main reasons to buy the premium subscription, besides the excellent plugins, is the excellent support provided by Ryan aka Happy Noodle Boy. He continually updates JCE to add features and fix bugs. Furthermore, when you ask questions on the JCE forum, he actually ANSWERS the questions within a few hours! That’s almost unheard of in Joomla free or paid extensions.
Features
User Profiles – You can create user profiles to give different users access to different JCE functions. For example, you can create a front end user profile where you restrict file uploads, remove ability to assign classes, color, or fonts.
Image Manager Extended – The image manager allows you to upload images, edit images, create image popups, and more. This plugin alone makes it worth buying a JCE subscription.
File Manager – This plugin allows you to upload and link to many different file types like .doc, .pdf, .xls, or any file you want your users to be able to download. Also, the plugin has options to include a file-type icon, file size, and date.
Media Manager – The media manager is your one-stop media extension for Joomla. You can use it to insert almost any type of video, HTML5, Flash, YouTube, Vimeo, QuickTime and more.
Akeeba
Akeeba Backup is the ONLY Joomla backup tool you need. And it’s free. With Akeeba, you can create a complete backup of your Joomla site including the database and all Joomla files.
What’s more, the Akeeba backup file is an installable backup package. For example, if you need to restore or move your site, you extract the backup package in your web space, point your browser to the website URL, and you get Akeeba’s installation screen.
If you don’t have this tool, get it and make a backup now. Also, check out Akeeba Professional, the paid version of Akeeba Backup. It includes features like cloud backup and restore points.