With the release of Joomla 3.3 we'll see a new program requirement for the installation and upgrade or pre-existing website within the Joomla 3.3 series.

To become able to update to 3.3 your server need to meet the minimum specifications of PHP 5.3.10 to permit for the needed larger level of password encryption which is getting integrated into Joomla.

This indicates you'll find several checks that you have to carry out before doing the update!

Because the release of Joomla 3.2.2, there has been the introduction of a brand new program checker before you are able to update your Joomla web site.

So if you update from Joomla 3.2.2 to Joomla 3.3, the installation process of the upgrade will warn you and cease you from upgrading your Joomla website. You can check Upgrade Your Joomla 2.5 to Joomla 3.3 in Few Minutes.

If you're on a reduce version of Joomla, this will not happen, or if you are upgrading your website via third party solutions or server level scripts, these may not verify settings either so it's very best to verify your PHP server settings yourself.

It's easy to check, just login to your administrator region and go to SYSTEM -> SYSTEM INFORMATION as well as the PHP version must show on the very first screen that seems. In case your server is not updated, then you may wish to modify servers, ask your host to upgrade the PHP version or simply not update your web site just however. (but you are going to have to to acquire safety updates and new functions).