mjovery2

I did a full backup : backup-10.29.2006_09-48-19_stcentu.tar (Taken at 4.13 PM UK time) I did take precautions...just as totalchoice recommend repeatedly.... Given the circumstances I do expect some degree of cooperation here. Of course, I cannot upload it until the server/site is operational again!

Could you please indicate the backup status related to the second server? I am asking this because I did quite a few updates yesterday. Did you manage to do any backups when it was up? OR does it mean that any recent work since the replacement server was installed has been lost? Now, I made sure I did a complete backup of my site, and downloaded it from Cpanel after updates yesterday . Would you be prepared to reinstall it , if your backup copies (if any) are older..?

Thanks for clarifying this matter....

I hope the moves are by request only. I am quite happy with all my websites/accounts being hosted in the USA. What I certainly don't like is the apparent exchange rate of 1£ to 1 dollar when many hosting companies branch out to the UK . I have seen this far too often. I am sure that Totalchoicehosting will not follow this practice. UK users are ripped off in so many areas..as you will no doubt be aware, living in the UK. I spend a lot of my time in wonderful Arizona...and fully appreciate all the advantages that USA consumers have...Yes, the customer really does come first in the Land of the Free...and Totalchoicehosting is a spendid ambassador for this prerequisite for customer satisfaction! Global Community Zone

Thomas, A great idea. Your idea will focus on those scripts hosted on totalchoicehosting.com. I have decided to move away from Moveable Type...partly because of security issues and new licensing matters, but mainly because users have found other scripts are more user-friendly; the present installations are being deleted. In the meantime, I have been trawling around trying to find if a script update centre that already exists....with particular reference to security issues. So far I have not been able to find a global central depository of updates... This one appears to be useful.... www.PhpAdvisory.com However, since most users will not be using an enormous number of scripts, perhaps the best way at the moment is to go to the homepage of the originators/authors of the scripts...or at least to subscribe to their updates mailing list or forums.

Just a few thoughts......... Reasons to be cheerful ....Part 1 1. Only install scripts which have fine, long-standing reputations for reliability and security. 2. Don't waste time with scripts which have a poor reputation for reliability and security. Life is too short. If you have them installed already, then take a deep breath. Delete them and move on to pastures new...and invigorate your life! (Backup your site/scripts first if you decide later you have made the mistake of your life...) 3. Join the updates community forum ...at the source of your scripts. This way you can always be kept informed of the latest releases and issues. 4. Don't rely on automatic installers. Some hosting companies do not keep them up to date (A case in point is keeping all the latest versions of scripts up to date in fantastico) 5. Don't rely on hype about scripts at the source/vendor website. Do your own research first. 6. Find a hosting company willing to support you, and provides a range of support avenues....not just an e-mail address. Open community forums ,where even dirty linen is washed in public is far better that finding a pruned support forum, where many real issues and problems are hidden. Honesty and openness is appreciated by many customers and prospective customers...... www.webschool.org.uk www.MyWebschool.org Bringing Educational Creativity to All (www.becta.org)

Oh dear... I was trying to focus on ways of trying to help you...with server issues relating to use of scripts which could cause problems. I was also trying to relate this to effective use of time management. As you will be well aware many Open Source scripts are being constantly updated and improved. Not all updates are immediately instantaneous. It is during this time when security improvements and updates are being developed that both users and hosting companies will be at risk. Now consider this: as a full time educator who is trying to develop websites, using own resources and money in the few spare hours I have available..(many schools are cash-strapped...but no need to get the violin out here..) ..I really do try extremely hard to keep absolutely everything up to date. Effective, efficient use of time is a priority, even if it means deleting scripts/programs rather than go through updates...or waiting for them to happen. Goodness, I don't want to be one of those users who will be ' immediately suspended' on Totalchoicehosting for using scripts which are messing up servers. I really wish there were more than 24/7 available.....and I am sure you have a similar wishes sometimes. Hey, of course we all NEED to keep 3rd party software up to date. That is stating the obvious. It is nice to be reminded of this from time to time ..... but it does not make life any easier. ..developments in software/scripts never remain stationary ...and with four/five accounts with TotalChoicehosting one could quite easily spend 24/7 just running around to find the latest updates. Indeed, it often feels like this. As an educator I really do try to help everyone, and as part of a community, working together means an appreciation of the viewpoints and positions of other people, and a real desire to work together and promote a community where information is shared both ways. I find it very sad to see statements such as 'bottom line' and 'immediate suspension' in this 'family community' forum. Customers also have a 'bottom line' approach ...but I would rather stick with totalchoicehosting for now because so far I have found support, helpful advice and good reliable hosting ( and I do have an account on server 27!)

Unfortunately, a list of problematic software would cause many to say "I don't have any of that" and dismiss the new rule which states It really is imperative that everyone keep all of their 3rd party software up to date to avoid the exploits that are sure to come when they are discovered. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I was half-expecting this response. Of course everyone should keep their scripts/software up to date....and I totally agree with this policy. However, surely to goodness the server issues originated as a result of specific scripts.....which would need to be addressed as a matter of urgency. That is not to say that users should ignore other updates. Otherwise, why bother sending out this message at all......since it should be part of the generic statement embedded deep in the heart of user policies? Does it really require rocket science to identify specific users (and associated scripts) and to target them with appropriate 'warnings' rather than sending out statements to everyone which are just reminders of a policy that is already in existence?

Is it not possible to be more specific? Can you identify specifically the blogging scripts causing server load problems? It would help users to prioritise upgrades accordingly. We need to work together on this issue so it would be in the best interests of both parties to have more information of the scripts causing server load problems As a starter I would suggest an initial focus on upgrading phpBB and moveable type scripts the recent issues of which are well documented on the relevant websites