Upgrading to Wordpress 2.5
I just took my first stab at not only upgrading Wordpress manually (I have used Fantastico in the past) but upgrading to the newest version 2.5. I must start by saying one of the most annoying things you can do when presenting new software for general public use (not beta testing) is to add a feature that doesn’t work yet with promises of “next version”… So frustrating! I just spent 3 hours deleting my old installation and upgrading to a new one and the last thing I want to think about it doing it all over again! But aside from the few things that will be worked out in the next version I have to say my first impression of Wordpress 2.5 is definitely a good one. Though change is always difficult to get used to, (especially when you have stared at the same blue style for an obscene number of hours) the easier navigation negates my fondness for the “classic” blue screen. (And if you just can’t handle the lack of blue in the new design you can find a “classic” option under the users –> profile tabs to take you back…)
The actual upgrade/installation was not difficult at all. I followed the extended upgrade guide that requires the deletion of old the old files and then upload of the new ones. It does take a little longer than just overwriting everything but I totally subscribe to the “if it’s worth doing…” philosophy. I did encounter one error when I attempted to access the wp-admin folder however it was addressed right at the top of the “Common Installation Problems” in the simple Wordpress installation guide.
It certainly appears as though Wordpress has been listening to suggestions from their users. The first thing that I found to be a pleasant surprise was the ability to automatically update plugins. Genius. Truly. Updating plugins was by far the worst aspect of Wordpress to me. With new updates coming out on what seemed like a weekly basis (I am certain this is an exaggeration) updating plugins was a serious time hog. The automatic plugin updates in version 2.5 are an excellent addition to Wordpress.
I am going to spend a little more time getting acquainted with my new/old friend! Here is a list of every link you need to install/troubleshoot/setup a FREE wordpress blog on your own server. All of these links are the official documentation located at codex.wordpress.org.
- The famous 5-minute installation (for experienced users)
Good Luck!
Update: I chose my personal blog to upgrade to version 2.5 first based on the fact that I had not yet added very many posts so it was the logical choice. To be honest, after having time to really go through the new version, I wish I had just waited for Fantastico’s update. I just don’t really see what the big deal is… (I understand the security updates, I am basing my opinion strictly on the new interface, navigation, etc.) The features I was interested in (media library, galleries) won’t be implemented until the next version and the rest of the updates just don’t really make that big of a difference. (other than the automatic updates for the plugins, this is very cool!) For me it was like walking into your local grocery store after they have completely rearranged everything. It will take me a day or two to adjust! I am going to wait until Fantastico’s update comes out to upgrade the rest of my blogs… Version 2.5 just doesn’t impress me enough to spend the time to upload it all… I am eagerly awaiting the next upgrade Wordpress!
And if the behind the scenes installation/setup isn’t for you and you just want to get to blogging, we can install, setup, and design a custom theme for you! We also offer web space for as little as $5.99/month… NO CONTRACTS! Contact us for more information!
