Desperation measures to reduce server load

[TUGBrian]

Think of it this way: TUG would not get all these complaints about not being able to log in if the BBS wasn't so much appreciated.

Certainly have a point there!

 

[Makai Guy]

Progress report

Our testing on the new server is going well.

We had a major stumbling block in getting the mysql database installed and operational. This delayed things quite a bit due to my lack of knowledge in this area, but TUGger Scott Page provided invaluable help and got that going for us a few days ago.

We had problems getting the test bbs on the new server to send email (reported in this post). That has been solved, and the test board is able to send its emails now. This is needed for the registration process, notifications of private messages / subscribed threads, emailing other board users, etc.

Ran into a problem with the lack of an image processing library on our installation. Had to have our php recompiled with the appropriate module. This is needed for the verification image shown when registering for the board (keeps 'bots from automatic registration on the board - takes a human to transpose the graphic image shown on-screen to a text input for the form).

We now have our customizations for differentiation between TUG Members and Guests working on the new server.

There are lots of things that need to be tested and verified before we can switch over, but things seem to be going fairly smoothly, now that the mysql logjam has been broken.

If I just didn't have a personal life that keeps getting in the way ...

 

[SherryS]

Re: Progress report

I, for one, APPRECIATE all your (volunteer) work!!

 

[Makai Guy]

Ready to make the switch

The last of the things that needed to be set up before we can switch over to the new server was taken care of this evening.

So, we'll be starting the process tomorrow (Monday July 24) morning, starting with taking the active board down long enough to make a backup copy of the data base for installing on the new server.

When this is finished, this board will be brought back up in read-only mode. You will be able to read everything that's on the board, but you won't be able to post or edit messages, enter changes in your profiles, or register as new users. This is so there are no changes made that won't be in the database copy going on the new server.

We hope to have the new server up and running, and have the tugbbs.com domain transferred to the new server, by late morning. It may take a little while for this domain change to propagate to your internet service. When it does, you'll be able to reach the bbs on to the new server without you having to make any changes at your end. The change will be completely transparent, and all messages and user profiles will transfer over. The last time we changed servers, most everybody had the change within 24 hours - some in much much less.

 

[swift]

Re: Ready to make the switch

The last of the things that needed to be set up before we can switch over to the new server was taken care of this evening.

So, we'll be starting the process tomorrow (Monday July 24) morning, starting with taking the active board down long enough to make a backup copy of the data base for installing on the new server.

When this is finished, this board will be brought back up in read-only mode. You will be able to read everything that's on the board, but you won't be able to post or edit messages, enter changes in your profiles, or register as new users. This is so there are no changes made that won't be in the database copy going on the new server.

We hope to have the new server up and running, and have the tugbbs.com domain transferred to the new server, by late morning. It may take a little while for this domain change to propagate to your internet service. When it does, you'll be able to reach the bbs on to the new server without you having to make any changes at your end. The change will be completely transparent, and all messages and user profiles will transfer over. The last time we changed servers, most everybody had the change within 24 hours - some in much much less.

Good Luck !! I pray everything goes smoothly. Thank you for all of your efforts and putting up with our grumbling.

 

[Makai Guy]

If you're reading this, you are accessing the bbs on our new, dedicated server. Please see this separate thread regarding this installation:
http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28844

I see no reason to keep this thread open now that we are no longer using the DreamHost server in question, so I'm closing it.