With each version upgrade, users inevitably expect to see significant improvements over the previous version. There are new and improved features and processes that will make many users happy in this coming Joomla! 1.6.
BlueStork
One immediate difference you will see after log into the administrator back end is its new look. Ron Severdia has redesigned the administrator template, and given us a refreshed back end. Aside from the design change, the development team is experimenting various menu structures and new toolbar buttons to improve productivity.
Where to Find the Trash?
Just as in Joomla! 1.5.x an item must be put into Trash before it can be wiped from the system. However, while in Joomla! 1.5.x you must use Trash Manager to handle the trash, in Joomla! 1.6 the whole process has been integrated into the item lists. The Trash has become one of the states, just like Publised and Unpublised, an item can be in.
Improved User Manager
A better user management that allows multiple user groups and greater access control is one of the most requested features. Finally we will definitely get it in Joomla! 1.6.
Users will be allowed to be placed into more than one user groups. Those groups can be either built-in ones or custom made ones. Each group can be configured to allow certain types of actions on the site. (These are called Type 1 ACL Rules.) All the groups are organized into an Is-A hierachy with the root at Public group.
The new ACL in Joomla! 1.6 also has somethings called Type 3 Rules. These rules define what a user can see. For instance, the system will allow only groups in access level "Confidential" to see contents marked with access level "Confidential." To set this up, you will have to create access levels and assign groups into them.
Now you have seen Type 1 and Type 3 Rules, so you must be asking what Type 2 Rules may be. While it's a little murky in regard of Type 2 Rules, they appear used to govern permissions toward particular items. The development team is working to express them in a clear and intuitive interface.