In the year 2013, it was recorded that WordPress users occupy about 19% of world servers and which has increased to a staggering 40% this year. The ability to add plugins to gain additional functionality is one of WordPress greatest achievements.
Things to note before installing a plugin:
1. Last date Updated: How recent?
2. Its compatibility with your version of WordPress.
3. Don't install as many as possible. Keep them at a minimal and updated as always (3 months at least).

The ability to search for a required and needed featured plugin among thousands of different plugins is always stressful. To this i am sharing the few i have come across, the much needed and reliable ones.

1. AKISMET: This plugin comes automatically with WordPress installation. It is used to protect your Blog from Spam.
Last Updated: 1 month ago by Automatic.

2. WP Limit Login Attempts: This plugin is used to prevent and frustrate hackers. It is used to set limit to the number of times an intruder tries to attempt signing in to your WordPress admin page.
Last Updated: 3 weeks ago by Arshid.

3. SOCIAL MEDIA WIDGET: As the name implies, it is used to set social icons (Facebook, Instagram, twitter, pinterest, imgur....) on your blog. It has a pro version.
Last Updated: 1 month ago by Acurax

4. SOCIAL ICONS WIDGET: This also another plugin for social media icons, and it is free.
Last Updated: 2 months ago by Daniel Nisbet

5.Menu Image: This is used to add custom images to your menu nav bar.
Last Updated: 2 weeks ago by Alex Davyskiba aka Zviryyatko

6. SIMPLE IMAGE WIDGETS: This is used to display images in your sidebars. Wordpress doesn't really provide an avenue for that.
Last Updated:2 weeks ago by Nilambar Sharma

7. RECENT POSTS WIDGET EXTENDED: Unlike the recent post widget that came with installed WordPress, this gives you the ability to design and format your recent posts.
Last Updated: 2 weeks ago by Satrya

8. Event Calender: Looking for how to add dates, venues and RSVP to your event posts?, Search for the plugin.
Last Updated: 6 days ago by WedDorado

9. Contact Form 7: This is one the most installed plugins on wordpress. It is very basic but recommended.
Last Updated: 2 months ago by Takayuki Miyoshi

10: SHORTCODES ULTIMATE: This plugin is a collection of numerous and useful elements like youtube videos, accordion e.t.c
Last Updated: 4 months ago ( you can look for recent updated ones)by vladimir Anokhin.

I have a FREE video on how to install and use them. Request for the videos.