If you ever wanted to install the Akismet plugin – but weren’t sure, then fear not!!  Here is what to do.

First of all navigate your way to the plugins page of your blog to see the following under the “inactive” plugins section

Now simply click on the “Activate” link to the far right-hand side to reveal the next stage:

You are now asked about a Wordpress.com API key??  If you have one from another blog of yours then you can use that, however it is very easy to apply for a new Key.  Simply click on the “enter your Wordpress.com API key” to see this next screen:

Next stage – click on “sign up for a Wordpress.com Account”  Don’t worry – you do not need to sign up for a blog – merely become a “User” – see later.

Fill in your details as necessary – remember the Username you choose may already be taken – so be prepared with a couple of different options.  Use a secure password and remember to keep a note of it!! Fill in a genuine email address so that you get the confirmation email through. Tick the “legal flotsam” box.  Click on “JUST A USERNAME PLEASE” (unless you want to create a blog as well!!)  Click “Next” when you are finished – this will then give you:

While you wait for your confirmation email – fill in the above details as necessary and “Save Profile”

You will shortly receive a confirmation email like this:

Now click on that link in your email to activate your Account – again you will shortly receive a further email with all your details attached:

Notice this has your Wordpress.com API Key showing.  Again, make a note of it and keep it safe – you may need it later.

Now go back to this screen:

Simply enter your API key – use copy and paste to avoid any typos!! – and click on “Update Options”

Next screen will show you that the key has been verified:

And that – as they say – IS THAT!!

Now at any time you can view statistics regarding the Akismet plugin and see exactly what it has managed to catch in the way of  SPAM!

Good Luck with it!!