Extended Maintainence and Patch 3.3.3

The rumor mill says Patch 3.3.3 will hit today.  Maintenance is extended, starting earlier but ending at the usual 2 p.m. EDT.
http://www.wow.com/2010/03/22/realm-maintenance-for-tuesday-march-23rd/

Details from Blizzard about what Patch 3.3.3 contains (from the public test realms).
http://www.worldofwarcraft.com/patchnotes/test-realm-patchnotes.html

By the way, Arioch of Clearcasting thinks patch numbers are starting to sound like star dates in Star Trek.  LOL

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Preparing for Patch 3.3.3

Since it is very likely Patch 3.3.3 and its new Battlegrounds finder (available to Level 80s only), changes to the Auction House and characters, etc. will appear either tomorrow or next week, I've reposted WOW Head's list of the changes you can expect.
http://ptr.wowhead.com/?patchnotes=3.3.3-ptr

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Skeleton Jack's Guide To Improving Your Computer and Connection

This is a guide to testing your computer system and Internet connection (PC only although SJ asked Mac users to post similar information in the comments) with an eye to improving things.  SJ tells you what the Lich King system requirements are, gives you links where you can test your Internet connection speed, reminds you that mods and your video settings directly impact lag, and more.
http://www.skeletonjack.com/2010/03/22/improve-your-game-by-sj-wow-system-requirements/

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

WOW Head: Using the Database

WOW Head is starting a series of articles on how to use their database tools on their blog.  I'll update this entry as more articles are added.

The first entry describes how to use the profiler and the WOW Head databases to build a list of gear you want to help flesh out your character.
http://www.wowhead.com/?blog=147528


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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

WOW Insider Video Channel (Lich King)

WOW Insider says they plan to do a lot more video guides on their website.  They've started with two videos  that are a Lich King tutorial.
http://www.wow.com/2010/03/19/lich-king-strategy-and-tutorial-video/

They also have a YouTube channel just for their videos.  Here's the link.
http://www.youtube.com/user/WowDotCommunity

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Raid Buff Discussion

WOW Insider has done a two-part article about essential raid buffs. Part one talks about the essential buffs.
http://www.wow.com/2010/03/12/ready-check-core-raid-buffs/

Part two covers other buffs.
http://www.wow.com/2010/03/19/ready-check-raid-buffs-for-great-justice/#continued

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

People Watching in Dungeon Finder

Big Bear Butt writes about his experiences in dungeon finder and the characters he's run into there.
http://thebigbearbutt.com/2010/03/18/lfd-its-making-me-a-people-watcher/

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

In Search of the Perfect UI UPDATED

Gazimoff has discovered his UI is a mess and has started a series of blog postings about the search for the perfect mix of addons for his UI.  You can follow along here.  I'll update his postings as they happen.
http://manaobscura.gazimoff.com/?p=238

Redesigning the buttons so only the necessary ones show
http://manaobscura.gazimoff.com/?p=256

Cast bars and cool downs
http://manaobscura.gazimoff.com/?p=459

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

An Explorer's Guide to the Lost

Thanks to Dragonshade I have discovered a "no longer updated site" that talks about hidden portions of the game for explorers in articles, links and videos.  If you enjoy exploring secret areas you should check this out, especially since there's no telling what will disappear forever when Cataclysm comes out.
http://lostwow.com/index.shtml

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com

Resto Druid's Raid Healing Guide Updated

Kae has updated his/her resto druid raid healing guide.
http://dreambound-druid.blogspot.com/p/kaes-guide-to-resto-raid-healing.html

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Copyright Solo MMO Player at http://solommo.blogspot.com