WordPress 3.3.1 is now available. As reported from WordPress.org, this maintenance release fixes 15 issues with WordPress 3.3, as well as a fix for a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affected version 3.3.

I recommend that you install this update to your WordPress Website(s) as soon as possible. Prior to installing the upgrade to WordPress 3.3.1, I do recommend that you backup your WordPress site- this is always a good precation in case something goes wrong.

I do recommend and use BackupBuddy which is the most complete and simple backup to use for your WordPress sites. All of our client and student sites can do this from their WordPress Dashboard under the BackupBuddy menu option, and selecting “Backup & Restore” and using the “Full Backup” option. Once that process is completed you’ll see the ‘green dot’ indicator as shown below:

BackupBuddy status bar indicating backup i scompleted

Now you can proceed with your WordPress update.

If you don’t own BackupBuddy* you can purchase it here.

BackupBuddy will backup your entire Single or Multisite WordPress install. Including the widgets, themes and plugins!

- Mark Burrell / The Blog Coach

As you may have heard, WordPress 3.3 has finally been released. Join me Wednesday, December 14th, for a free Webinar where I will walk-through WordPress 3.3 at 8:30 am (PST). You can sign up using the link further down in this post.

What’s New in WordPress 3.3

Experienced users will appreciate the new drag-and-drop uploader, hover menus for the navigation, the new toolbar, improved co-editing support, and the new Tumblr importer. They have also worked to improve the the WordPress experience for new users.

Version 3.3 has significant improvements with pointer tips for new features, a friendly welcome message for first-time users, and revamped help tabs throughout the interface. They have improved the Dashboard experience on the iPad and other tablets with better touch support.

You can reserve your spot to my free Webinar tomorrow morning by signing up at GotoWebinar using the link below. With input from our friends on the development teams at StudioPress and iThemes, here are some of the key changes and enhancements with WordPress 3.3:

• Brand new media uploader that makes it even easier to add photos or other files to your posts or pages with a simple drag-and-drop interface. Adding one file is just as easy as adding multiple files at the same time.
• Only one “upload file” icon exists on the post edit screen because WordPress now has better file type detection so the backend of WordPress knows what to do with the files you upload.
• The media uploader also supports new file formats.
• The admin dashboard menus now feature flyout menus making it faster moving around the admin area. All you have to do is hover of the main menu items and your sub navigation areas will flyout granting easy access and providing single-click access to the whole admin area.
• WordPress 3.3 features an improved header/admin toolbar.
• The admin area of WordPress now responds to the screen size of the user and resizes itself based on various screen resolutions. Especially helpful if you use a tablet to manage the backend of your WordPress site.
• Brand new help tabs give easier access to relevant documentation and links and are even broken into smaller sections for better visibility.
• If you’ve ever been frustrated because two users are editing the same post at the same time and one of you overwrites the other persons changes… have no fear. WordPress 3.3 now features better co-editing capabilities. You’ll now be alerted when someone is editing the post.
• Better and more flexible Permalinks are in WordPress 3.3. A ton of work went into the WordPress permalinks making them operate better without performance penalties.
• And more…

WordPress 3.3 New Features Walkthrough – FREE Webinar

Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/458710010

You can grab the latest version of WordPress 3.3 from WordPress.org or by updating directly from your current WordPress admin dashboard. But don’t forget to backup before you update. And the best solution for any WordPress backup is BackupBuddy – Click here to grab your copy today. BackupBuddy – WP backup, restore, migration plugin