Hello,

I am in the process of working out how to upload my first DNN site. Before doing such a radical move
I'd like to know what precaution's to take to ensure the new site will have basic security from hacking,
spammers and the like.

Can anyone please make recommendation's to this effect, suggestions on portal/site settings and
so forth? Also, I am rather ignorant on what SSL is and how it applies, that I've seen reference to
on these forums?

I'd recommend that you take a look at the installation document @ http://www.dotnetnuke.com/About/Documentation/ProjectDocuments/tabid/478/Default.aspx , it will help you set things up with the correct permissions. In addition, theres a document entitled "Security - hardening installations" on that page, that has some additional suggestions that can be followed to harden the default install

Cathal