Top WordPress Plugins I use
Though I’ve been using WordPress for a number of years on various projects, I have to admit that it wasn’t until recently that I really looked at it as more than a blog package. It wasn’t until re-visiting the software after the v2.5 release that I learned its true potential. There have been quite a few advances and a lot of new and talented plugin creators allowing one to turn WordPress into a true content management system.
I’m going to list the various plugins I now use on a regular basis for a number of various projects. Check them out and donate to those that you feel are worth it.
Admin Plugins
Starting with the 2.x releases, the admin area was re-worked and provided a bit more usability than the previous releases. However, it still has some minor and honestly, major issues. Fortunately, there are some plugin creators out there that addressed these issues.
Fluency Admin
Author: Dean Robinson
Plugin URI: Fluency Admin WordPress Plugin
The default admin area for WordPress is a little clunky. It forces multiple clicks to get to a new post or page and splits up some of the key links/functions most advanced developers use. The Fluency Admin Plugin solves this by putting everything at mouse gesture length and really cuts down on clicks. Though it only works on the latest browsers, that wasn’t a factor for me. Shouldn’t you be using the latest version anyway 
?
Ozh’s Admin Drop Down Menu
Author: Ozh
Plugin URI: Ozh’s Admin Drop Down Menu
Both great on its own and as an addition to the Fluency Admin Plugin. I use it without the Fluency plugin on a couple client websites and really does improve productivity. Less clicks means you spend more time creating and maintaining content.
PageMash
Author: Joel Starnes
Plugin URI: PageMash
This plugin is essential if you’re using WordPress for a content management system. I came across this plugin while developing a website for a client that required a number of pages (not posts). The problem I originally encountered was that when adding a new page wanting it, say, nested under a parent page, I had to manually go into each page and change the order. This plugin solved all of this with its drag-drop page order functions. Really a time-saver.