Some forum software is perfect, as is, without updates. One hand hand, an update could mean greater security with security patches or more mods available. On the downside, what if you lose your favorite forum theme or mod as it's no longer compatible? Would you skip a forum upgrade if you knew you would lose a valuable feature of your current forum?
Will you upgrade your forum software every time?
- Thread starter Beverly
- Start date
USAPoliticsForumCom
Familiar Face
Absolutely skip it. If you have a heavily modded forum or other site. Updating from v1.0 to v1.2 could change everything. It's like starting from scratch. No thanks! 😉Beverly said:
ForumSource
Resident
Over time I would probably start to change things in order to upgrade but sometimes it is a big difference and a big change to get used to... something that's hard to do! For example, IPB 2.3.6 was my absolute favorite forum software, it's why I wanted to start a forum in the first place. The next version of IPB was completely different and it hurt me inside. 😛
USAPoliticsForumCom said:
Bad idea in my opinion. If a new release version is out, and it comes with major security fixes that were a major issue in the last release, ignoring the new upgrade would be the last thing you ever do. If there were a ton of security flaws the last time around that everyone was having issues with, and your host insists that you update, I would go along with them telling us what to do. An upgrade to a newer version can save your forum in the long run. Yes, this could mean losing your favorite mods/features/themes but at the end of the day, you want your forum to be a safe place to be also. I happen to be a firm believer of the golden rule of "safety first" and this especially holds true with forum owning and major issues in software versions. So really, it's not always a good idea to skip version updates. I can see it being OK if it were just minor updates, stuff that was barely visible to begin with, but if there were a lot of major problems affecting everyone, then it would be definitely wise to upgrade as soon as possible.
I prefer to keep my forums updated, since as others have said updates usually mean more stability and security. I dislike adding too many modifications on forums, anyway, so I never really had problem with updating the software. I can imagine how it becomes troublesome for others. Running an old version of a software has its holes, but if the team and community like it and do the best to keep the forum safe then I suppose there isn't much problem to it.
I was a little apprehensive about upgrading my Xenforo, but it turned out super OK. It took me 5 minutes and it works properly. I always disliked forum upgrades since, with custom themes and plugins, there's always the chance for something to go wrong 😀
Josh349 said:
Well, I don't know if an upgrade would speed up loading times so much, but I do agree with the rest of what you said. I've often noticed that my loading times always seem to remain the same after an upgrade...but that's just me, though.
dojo said:
I've heard more success stories than anything where an upgrade went really super well. This is always awesome to hear.
*brings back from dead*
Honestly, I would upgrade every time unless it's a major software change. Like for instance, IP.Board 3.x to IP.Board 4.x, it's a complete software change.
However it it was some fixes or new features, I would upgrade. MyBB 1.8x upgrading to 1.8x isn't that huge of a deal, and honestly if it meant I had security fixes and patches, I would upgrade in an instant.
Honestly, I would upgrade every time unless it's a major software change. Like for instance, IP.Board 3.x to IP.Board 4.x, it's a complete software change.
However it it was some fixes or new features, I would upgrade. MyBB 1.8x upgrading to 1.8x isn't that huge of a deal, and honestly if it meant I had security fixes and patches, I would upgrade in an instant.
I generally only update my forums when major updates come out. For example if a new modification, style or update enhances security I will upgrade but for small other matters I generally won't upgrade. For example I wouldn't upgrade a phpbb 3.0.12 board to 3.0.14. I would however upgrade a MyBb 1.xx board to 2.0
I learned my lesson back when I was on MyBB, if they release a "Security Update" you'd better install immediately because it usually means there's a new vulnerability found in the software and hackers can infiltrate your board.
If it's just a update that provides a few new features and fixes a couple bugs, you can probably put it off for while & have nothing to worry about.
If it's just a update that provides a few new features and fixes a couple bugs, you can probably put it off for while & have nothing to worry about.
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