The two free blog extensions are Lyften blog and Smart blog but both these components are available only for joomla 1.5 Ot would be better to use wordpress or a paid extension like Easy Blog.
Hi, I would recommend two options : - JComments : Free and reliable (and well-known) - DisqUS (a lot a components can connect to disqus) All comments solutions provide CAPTCHA module to secure posting of comments. So no problem with spam ! Hope it will help, Regards
Mostly i use a k2 Component for Blog Posting in joomla. K2 Component is Free tools & easy to understand, its other use is create a menu & image galley options.
I did not have a good experience with LyftenBloggie, Anytime someone commented the whole blog post would dissappear. Couldn't figure out how to fix it so I had to remove it and set up another blog using Joomla inbuilt features. Only problem with the inbuilt blog is that there is no commenting feature.
I know it's always tempting to go for free Joomla modules/components etc but don't discount paid ones. They often only cost upwards of a few pounds/dollars and you will usually get better support if you've paid for something. I use easyblog and have always found it to be a great blogging component.
The joomla core + a commenting plugin such as Komento equals a preety good blog. Some other plugins are ZOO and K2. You should give them a try.