My last update was a description on the attack method against the spammers. I set out to achieve two tasks to decrease the amount of SPAM we all receive. I ran into some difficulties with the first method so I changed tactics and went to the second method.

The change has been in effect for more than a week and I am very pleased with the results. I have noticed a significant decrease in the amount of daily SPAM seen. Please watch your junk folder over the next few weeks just in case. I hope to have the report SPAM option in place soon.

Over the last few weeks the amount of SPAM received increased substantially. While there are currently filters in place, and you have the ability to further train the filters through the Plesk control panel, I am researching a faster solution. I plan to take a two stage approach to decrease SPAM.

The first is to enable a “Report as SPAM” link directly inside webmail. For those of you who are using the web-based client this will come as a welcomed feature. The second requires installation of additional filters into the SPAM detecting software.

Spammers will update the methods they use to send SPAM through to bypass the filters as much as possible. Like anything else, we have to make our filters smarter so they recognize the changes and remain effective. I don’t have a timetable yet although plan on very soon.

After a lengthy search for a new billing software I decided a more integrated approach was needed. The new software will allow a better integration with Plesk, along with a whole lot of new features. There is still a bit of work to be done, however, I am happy to see how easy it was to setup and to use.

There is quite a bit of functionality I disabled for now to make sure the product could do the basics. When I am comfortable, I hope to start using some of the more advanced features.  If nothing else, I hope the new software will make life a bit easier for everyone.  Please visit the new Account Center and let me know your thoughts in the comments.

After several months of using the current billing software, I have realized development was not going as smoothly as I had hoped.  I still believe there is a solution out there and I intend to find it.  I am going through an evaluation period to locate a suitable replacement for the current system.  Please be patient during the transition.

For those of you who deal with the Daylight Savings Time issue I am happy to report all is well. Linux is pretty good about handling these sorts of changeovers and there is no damage to report. For those not familiar the problem, the short version is DST came 3 weeks earlier this year. Most systems in the analog world were not really affected. A few calendars needed a reprinting and then people had to remember to reset their clocks.

In the digital world several systems were in danger of becoming less than functional, including several sold through a very large software company. Luckily patches were sent out and there was much rejoicing. If there are any unknown issues please report them immediately and we can start towards resolution, otherwise, enjoy.

I was so excited to announce the successful server migration I failed to mention the obvious. The new bulletin system is here and ready to read whenever, wherever. The old style was very manual and limited on number of characters. The new system will allow much enjoyment by all and provide additional information when available. Enjoy.