Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Getting closer to 2.1

We are getting closer to the release of 2.1.b2, a landmark release of JoomlaPack. With this version, we are getting closer to what we considered feature-complete all along those two years. The new features – compared to 2.0 – are:

  • Easy Mode. We were all newbies and inexperienced users. Some of you have installed Joomla! only a short while ago and find the plethora of JoomlaPack’s features, options and settings intimidating. Feel intimidated no more! The Easy Mode basically provides a cut-down, easy to grasp, oversimplified interface without compromising on the effectiveness. The configuration page is much easier to use, as you only have the choice between three predefined sets of configuration options. Newcomers to the world of Joomla!, welcome the easiest way to backup your site.
  • Off-site directory inclusion filter. Backup folders outside your web server’s root!
  • Extension filters. Single click exclusion of components, modules, plug-ins, templates or even languages from your backup! In other words: build a site with everything installed; if you need a customized version, just select which extensions not to back up. Cool feature for professional web developers.
  • Front-end “light mode” backup. You can now back up from any Internet-capable device: EeePC’s, Pocket PC’s, cellphones, Wi-Fi enabled iPods… you name it!
  • Support for tar and tar.gz. Note that tar.gz requires an external gzip executable. A niche feature for all you *NIX fans.
  • Automatic troubleshooter. JoomlaPack detects if it failed last time and tries to apply two sets of “safe but slow” defaults. This will let it run smoothly on even more hosts without asking us for help and without you having to tweak Magic Numbers. Nice and clean!
  • Better notification of potential issues. Potential problems will show up before backing up; this is the best approach to help you to keep out of harm’s way.

JoomlaPack also received its fair share of bug fixes and minor adjustments. From the easiest to the fairly complex, these fixes and adjustments help our software work in even more “difficult” environments.

As always, we are commited to providing the community with a professional grade, reliable, open source and Free (as in speech and as in beer) backup solution, complete with documentation, support and a set of incredible utilities.