It was with great excitement that WordPress 2.7 was released late last week, but what does it mean for you? Well, the admin section has been given a makeover, and now looks a lot slicker. Alongside this, there has been an emphasis on doing everything with a single click. You can see the new interface for yourself:
So, how do you get 2.7? If you installed WordPress using Fantastico then you upgrade by logging into your Fantastico control panel and selecting “upgrade to 2.7″. Its advisable to backup your database first, but don’t let this put you off upgrading – I’ve just upgraded two sites from 2.5.2 and 2.6.2 to 2.7 via Fantastico with no problems at all. Otherwise, head over to WordPress and download the software.
But why should you upgrade in the first place? 2.7′s visual overhaul makes it so much easier to use; you can rearrange your dashboard and have literally everything at your fingertips. You can reply and moderate comments from the dash (even by keyboard shortcuts!), as well as write new posts directly from the dashboard.
Plugins can be installed by installed by searching the WordPress.org plugins database with a single click without leaving your site. How cool is that! You can upload plugins from your computer without unzipping them and WordPress will install them. You can also upgrade your plugins with a single click. Speaking of single click upgrading, your upgrade to 2.7 could well be your last manual upgrade as 2.7 includes a feature that lets you upgrade your WordPress install with a single click.
With WordPress increasingly being used for everything, a useful new feature, Sticky Posts, allows you to keep a post at the top of your blog, even if you have more recent posts. In practice, this means if you’re running a competition or something like that, then you can keep attention directed at your big post.
The shiny new interface extends beyond the dashboad, and the focus is very much on moving everything around to suit you. The screen below shows how you can rearrange your post-writing page.
And for those wondering why 2.7 isn’t 3.0 with all of these great additions, according to Weblog Tools Collection, Matt doesn’t want to skip version numbers anymore.
For the complete lowdown, visit the codex.
Finally, this video from the WordPress team briefly looks through some of the new features
This was a guest post by Alex Denning, who is a WordPress power user, web design freelancer and currently maintains two sites – Nometet.com and GreenGrassGames.com. You can follow him on Twitter here. If you have WordPress knowledge and are interested in writing a post for WordPress Hacks, please contact us.
Thanks a lot, this made things much clearer for me :) 
I also use slimstat which is great and you don't have to leave your dash to check your metrics. 
The winning answer:
I need a membership because in my niche...things are never the same.
Have you ever been to a Haunted ...
Will this plugin integrate with registration web forms? 
I am using WPZ Pulse theme and the Blog post i make go to a default permalink. even though i ...
perfect, thanks for the info. I was wondering why my "sticky" posts would always disappear from the top. now ...
great interface in 2.7, but i still like to use 2.6x..
Alex needs to update his plugins and check those comments.
The best part I think is the waving bye bye of manual upgrades.
Plugins get a notification when there is a new version, wordpress itself does too, now if themes would get those notifications (number on top of red circles).
@ Alex – Great post! So far I am really enjoying WP 2.7 and recommend everyone upgrade.
@ Miroslav – The idea of getting notified when there are theme updates is an interesting one. Unfortunately, it would only work for themes listed in the official directory, which would prevent any premium WordPress themes or sponsored themes from being included.
I have to wonder how many people actually use those themes vs. a purchased theme or a custom built theme? Would it be enough people to warrant a feature like this? I suppose it would certainly encourage more people to list their free themes in the official theme directory!
Nice post Alex! My favorite new thing in WP 2.7 is definitely instant upgrade.
@Miroslav – haven’t had any problems updating ye old plugins… I think I’m missing what you’re saying
@Kyle – but then you’d end up with zillions of people with the same theme.
@jbj – thanks!
being able to drag and drop is wonderful, an I love the quick edit. But what I love is that these are all things we asked for!
I’m most excited about no longer having to actually upgrade WordPress ever again. Not that it is that difficult or that time consuming but it is still a little annoying that you have had to manually upgrade WordPress for so long.
WordPress 2.7 rocks.
I absolutely love the new look for 2.7!