Another phase in the continual improvements and protection efforts from the group at WordPress. This update to v3.1.1 is termed as being one that you should do “promptly” so that the security and performance updates can be in effect on your website.

In the vital spirit of “backup before you update,” here are the 3 standard recommendations we recite each time there is an update:

1) Go to your web hosting control panel and do a Full Account Backup
2) Do individual backups of your database and theme
3) Hit the Update to 3.1.1 link on your WordPress Dashboard

When you have completed your database and theme backups, and have downloaded the full account backup from your web host, make sure to store the files in a safe and easily accessible place. Many people will keep a local copy (hard drive, flash stick, or CD) in addition to a remote copy (email, cloud or other storage service).

Beginning in 2011, SafeHouse Web moved to using DropBox as its primary cloud storage and file transfer service. Its FREE version has sufficient capabilities for most any home or small business use, and the paid plans are very reasonable. The DropBox desktop application has become so easy to use – and is reliable and efficient – it has become a “must have” tool. Another popular option is using the vast storage offered through Gmail. Check out either, or both, and see how your file sizes and work styles might fit with either option.

[info_box]If you need help or would like to have the backup and update service done for you, please schedule with us today. A $60 limited time offer is available for those who schedule prior to April 30, 2011.[/info_box]

Here’s an excerpt of the official announcement from wordpress.org on April 5th:

WordPress 3.1.1 is now available. This maintenance and security release fixes almost thirty issues in 3.1, including:

Some security hardening to media uploads
Performance improvements
Fixes for IIS6 support
Fixes for taxonomy and PATHINFO (/index.php/) permalinks
Fixes for various query and taxonomy edge cases that caused some plugin compatibility issues

Version 3.1.1 also addresses three security issues discovered by WordPress core developers Jon Cave and Peter Westwood, of our security team. The first hardens CSRF prevention in the media uploader. The second avoids a PHP crash in certain environments when handling devilishly devised links in comments, and the third addresses an XSS flaw.

We suggest you update to 3.1.1 promptly. Download 3.1.1 or update automatically from the Dashboard → Updates menu in your site’s admin area.

Our release haiku:

Only the geeks know
What half this stuff even means
Don’t worry — update

Staff

SafeHouse Web is a team-based website design and digital marketing company located in Hollister, California, providing personal service to clients in Silicon Valley, the Monterey Bay Area and Los Angeles. We also enjoy successful remote relationships with clients across the country.

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