Updates To Brainformation

[yogi]

It's that time again. They done come out with a new version of phpBB. This one requires the use of a higher level php so that the upgrade was not a simple software replacement issue. The hosting service didn't have php configured for everything needed by the new software and that took some special handling to get it straight.

There apparently were some big changes in the database structure because this version is not backward compatible as were many of the previous versions. I noticed some odd behavior in the administrative panel and one of the threads you and I were active in seems to have lost it's senses. I restarted it with a "Part 2" added to the title and it seems to be working now. Hopefully the problem was confined to that single thread.

Also, I changed the default style to the dark version of what was here before. I realize you just accept what is given, but I'm also pretty flexible. If the dark theme is too burdensome on your eyes, just let me know. I'll revert the default back to the original style.

Also, also, I changed the cookie content to reflect the fact that we are on a new server. We have been on this server for a few years now, but apparently I never changed the cookies to reflect that. You might want to click the link at the bottom of the page to delete all the cookies for this site. You will be required to log in again, but your session should stay remembered after that.

Also, also, also ... as long as I had the helpdesk involved, I asked them what it would take to get us into the SSL/https mode. He flipped a switch and ... well ... here we are. This may or may not cause problems with logins; hopefully not. I just wanted to let you know what I did in case you experience some weird things next time you use this site.

[Kellemora]

I only saw the Dark Version before I logged in, then it appears I have the Normal Version I've always had.
I don't remember ever purposely selecting a certain version style but perhaps I did eons ago.

I did have to log in again, but no biggie. Yes you are showing https now with the lock.
I set mine up for https and did something wrong. They contacted me by phone and fixed it for me.
My host provider does not charge for wildcard https which covers all directories and sub-directories.
So, all of my sites now show a lock too, even when I went in from old links that were still http.
They don't use htaccess for this because Google will flag the redirects if they do, so that had some other way of forcing https is http was called.

[yogi]

I changed the site's default style to the dark theme so that is what guests would see. You would see whatever your profile is set to. At one time I had three or four styles to choose from, but with this update I cut it all down to two. It's all the same style but in a light and a dark version.

Lately the upgrades have been causing problems and I had to get the helpdesk involved. This time around was no different. As an aside I asked what it would take to switch to SSL and they just did it without answering. The other sites I run from this domain plus one other domain remain insecure. It really doesn't matter there because in essence they are read only. You actually can log into the archive sites but all you can do there is read the posts. There is no advantage to logging in.

I noted a section on the server's control panel where I can manage my SSL sites. I wanted some insight before I touched that, but they just went ahead and did it. I'll go back into the control panel and see what they did. There are keys that need to be managed and changed periodically, but it looks as if it's all automatic.

[Kellemora]

I looked into SSL certificates for over a year and decided since my websites were open for anyone to read anyhow, what reason should I encrypt them using https. Besides, the cost was up there when you are on my budget.
But then when my Host merged with another company, they made https free, but I apparently bungled the settings.
They caught my goofs and fixed them for me. At the same time they lowered my monthly fee, so I can't complain about anything with them, hi hi.

[yogi]

The only thing needing protection on Brainformation these days is your login credentials. At one time when we had a few more active members people would be sending private messages back and forth. The encryption would securer those from man in the middle attacks. Basically I was interested in becoming more Google friendly, although I'm gradually losing my affection for Google. My guess is that even if we ended up on the front page of a search, nobody would be interested anyway. How many folks do you know that participate in a "discussion forum?" Zilch.

[Kellemora]

Well I do, but mostly it relates to my writing work, and HERE, hi hi.