Hello everyone,
The question arises occasionally with clients on whether they can run updates on Joomla and installed third-party extensions? Or, can they install a third-party extension they have found on the Internet?
As a freelance web developer, I cannot stop anyone from modifying their web site or making changes to the environment. In other words, “We basically hand over the keys to the car; it is up to the car’s owner not to drive it off a cliff.”
My basic policy is I fully support Joomla and specific list of third-party extensions that I have found to be stable and well-supported by their software publishers. The moment a web site owner begins patching or installing unsupported extensions, I have to limit the level of support that might be expected. I will make every effort to troubleshoot and fix a problem, but in some circumstances it may not be possible to fix a problem without significant effort.
Can I run the Joomla patches?
The answer is yes and no.
YES – In recent times, the Joomla updates have been very stable and reliable. I really cannot recall the last time a patch failed and caused damage that crippled the web site. The developers at Joomla have worked hard to make patching “fool-proof.” So, click away. I really prefer a patched web site than not.
NO – Do not run the patch unless you fully understand the ramifications. The Joomla developers, as I do, insist that you should make a complete back up of your web site prior to any patching. In certain circumstances, if third-party extensions fail or Joomla begins to behave oddly, it is usually easier to restore to the last clean version than attempting to troubleshoot and fix the problem.
If you want to run the updates, the following basic minimum procedure is suggested.
- Back up the web site and the companion database
- Run the Joomla patches
- Surf through the web site to spot check that the site is functioning
- Back up the web site and the database, again.
- Store all back-ups in a safe spot.
- Keep a log of any changes to the system and when back-ups were performed.
The exact steps will be different for each client. JSN can work to establish exact instructions and procedures with the client.
BUT, my web hosting company does backups. Does that count?
Sort of. Hosting companies provide daily back-ups to cover their butts, not yours. And a hosting company will back up “everything.” All you need is the essential files and database for your web site. Further, depending on the hosting company, they might charge a fee to restore a site and the delay while working with their tech support staff. Each hosting company handles back-ups differently, and JSN can work with the client on the best procedure for restoring a web site.
Can I install a third-party extension that I found somewhere on the Internet?
Yes, at you own risk. Again, JSN highly recommends a complete clean back-up of the web site be performed before any significant changes are made to the environment. If anything fails, you will have the option to restore the web site to the last known functioning version.
JSN, in general, will provide very limited to no support for third-party extensions that are installed by the client. If it is discovered by JSN that such extension had adversely effected the core installation of Joomla, then JSN will provide very limited support for Joomla as well. Significant time may be required to troubleshoot and fix a problem, and JSN will require written approval from the client before attempting to remedy a problem.
Can I update a third-party extension that was installed by JSN?
In general, yes. The extensions supported by JSN have proven to be stable and if a problem arises, sometimes simply uninstalling and re-installing the extension will fix a problem. JSN will happily help if a problem occurs. Again, it is highly recommended to back-up the web site before running an update, but JSN has found this step can be skipped.