Domainers that consider themselves 'developers' are often just button pushers.
Nowadays, WordPress makes it very easy to push a button and upgrade your installation to the latest version available. This very availability raises the question: Is it safe to do it?
Most domainers using WordPress (push button domainers) lack the technological background to resolve issues related to the filesystem, linux OS, managing databases and so forth.
By pushing the “Upgrade now” button, you’re effectively pulling down your pants and exposing your behind to a very cold nor’easter!
This could be devastating, fellas.
First, back up your database. Save it via your control panel or other management system. Make sure it’s not 2am when you do that or you might not be able to call GoDaddy’s tech support – or your linux geek buddy – if you screw everything up. Fair warning.
Unlike Microsoft Windows updates, the WordPress updates are often a hit or miss, due to the sheer number of plugins available and installed. Not all plugins are compatible with every release. Your best option is to disable them prior to upgrading your WordPress installation, then enable them one by one to ensure that nothing breaks.
Finally, you don’t really have to upgrade WordPress unless it’s a security update.
Most recent installations run perfectly fine with the current range of bells and whistles that they offer; adding more esoteric functions does little for the simple-minded domainer, who only needs one large “PUBLISH” button to send their content into cyberspace.
