Joomla! 2.5 - New Features and Quick Updates

Version 2.5 is the second release made within the new six-month release cycle that started with the delivery of Joomla 1.6 in January 2011.

Along with new features such as advanced search and automatic notification of Joomla core and extension updates, the Joomla CMS for the first time includes multi-database support with the addition of Microsoft SQL Server. Previous versions of Joomla were compatible exclusively with MySQL databases.

Automatic notification when a Joomla or extension update is available

When logged into the control panel, site administrators instantly have access to new notification buttons that allows them to see and act on the latest updates. In addition to updates for the Joomla CMS, a second button offers third party extension notification updates.

Other New Features and Improvements

  • Add ability to turn off the email to user when an Admin creates a user
  • Improvements for batch processing
  • Menu item parameter "Note"
  • No "new user notification" email sent to admin
  • Implementing default text per language in syndicate module
  • Implementing image option for the offline.php default page
  • Joomla! update notification button in the quick icons module
  • Debug Plugin Reloaded
  • Option to set Joomla to Site Offline (YES) during installation
  • Patch to enable change of newsfeed display direction
  • Add a true autoloader to the CMS
  • Database Version Check
  • "Select a Menu Item Type" in modal box in menu item edit page
  • Improving SEO: New system plugin: languagecode
  • Manager for Language Overrides
  • Easier workflow by linking Menu Manager: Add Menu to Module Manager: Module Menu
  • Add an option to filter the mod_whosonline by groups of the connected user
  • Add a check for native ZIP support to the Installation
  • Add ability to support other databases starting with Microsoft SQL Server / Windows Azure
  • mod_status optimization
  • Category filtering on content doesn't including sub-categories
  • User Notes
  • Use the images and urls fields to create simple standardized layouts
  • Captcha in the core
  • Finder Integration