If you are already using WordPress you should be seeing the notice to Upgrade Now to WordPress 3.3, in your Admin Dashboard Area, which has recently been released. Before we get into that, let’s take a brief look at what’s new.
What’s New in WordPress 3.3
WP version 3.3 brings a variety of improvements that will benefit new users and the more experienced user. Briefly: Version 3.3 has significant improvements with pointer tips for new features. There’s a friendly welcome message for first-time users, and revamped help tabs throughout the interface. Additionally they have improved the dashboard experience on the iPad and other tablets with better touch support.
Some of the highlights include:
- Easier uploading with file type detection
- Drag-and-Drop Media Uploader
- New Toolbar in the dashboard, combining the Admin Bar and admin header
- Flyout menus, providing single-click access to any screen
- Help for users to navigate new features
- Dashboard welcome area for new installs
and perhaps my favourite feature so far…
- Don’t lose widgets when switching themes
Should I Upgrade to Version 3.3 Now?
The short answer is “it depends”!
Whilst it’s advisable to keep your WordPress installation up to date, there are times when you should think twice before diving in to press that very tempting ‘please update now’ link.
Is Your Theme Up To It?
If you are using one of my favourite Genesis Themes then you should know that the Genesis framework is already up to WP Version 3.3 standard.
So too are Woo Themes, although they have had user reports that the new WP drag and drop uploader is causing a bit of grief in some of their themes (they give you an easy fix).
There’s more to consider…
Have You Installed Pesky Plugins!
Love them or hate them, most WordPress website owners use them, although most use far too many or use plugins that are not actually necessary.
Plugins can help your website or blog pack a punch, help you manage things, connect things or simply make things work a little better than they might without them.
But, if you rush in to hit that ‘please update now’ link too soon, it’s possible to find that one or more of your more pesky plugins either don’t work or ‘break’ something else you didn’t want broken!
Double Check Compatibility
Your simple solution, before committing yourself to upgrading, is to :
- double check that your framework and theme is up to date and meets the code requirements of WP Version 3.3
- double check that your installed plugins have been upgraded to avoid conflicts with your framework, theme and other plugins
Backup and Upgrade Now
If you’ve double checked that everything is compatible, remember to backup your files and then hit the please update now link, with confidence, and enjoy your new WP experience.
have fun
Diane
ps: View WP Codex for highlighted features in WordPress Version 3.3
I can’t thank you enough for all the support you have given me with my wordpress Diane. And if this helps anyone else when considering clicking to update to the latest version straight away, I have learned far to many harsh lessons by doing this without asking for simple advice first. As Diane will tell you I’m a real nightmare when it comes to lots of plugins ( honestly I really do need them all lol) and in the past I have automatically clicked to upgrade… WHAM several plugins not been upgraded to be compatible to the new wordpress version and caused chaos in one way or another on my site.
SO from now on I wait a few weeks untill all of the little bugs and snags have been ironed out with new updates before pushing the button.
Hey you might think it’s a big job checking everything for compatibility but trust me ( and Diane bless her) it’s an even BIGGER JOB to put right when it all goes haywire
Hi Karen, I must admit that you did come to mind as I wrote the part about plugins
Thanks for taking time to add your comment, which I’m sure will be a helpful insight to others and save them a few technical headaches.