Living Citadel

New Ordering Process

chris — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:45:24 +0000

If you’ve watched the site at all you probably noticed we’ve been making a few changes. After spending many hours researching tools and products, we finally have our new ordering process in place! If you have put off ordering because there was no buy button, fear no longer.

Utilizing a combination of existing site technology and Paypal, you can now order exactly the package you want, anytime you want. We are still working some final details, but overall we are very happy with the process. Also the plans received a bit of a boost in offerings.

So better plans, anytime ordering, and quick turnaround time for setup? Can’t beat that. If you do have any questions not answered on our website, send us an email. Alternatively, if you want to leave a general comment, please do so below.

Server Upgrade Complete

admin — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 06:24:46 +0000

Thanks for your patience through the migration process. As you may notice we are making a few changes on the website to refresh and update things a bit. A brand-spanking new account center with a new ordering process and an easy to upgrade or downgrade option for any plan coming soon.

The upgrade ensures the latest technology including PHP 5.2, MySQL 5.0, Perl 5.8.8, Python 2.4.3 and Ruby 1.8.5. Mason is still available and more frameworks are on the way including Django! Keep checking back as we move forward and provide more services for your enjoyment.

New Server Upgrade Pending

chris — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:50:56 +0000

In a few weeks I hope to have the server migration finished. Expect to see the latest version of Plesk (8.3) and newer versions of all the popular applications you use everyday! The official notice will be sent out a bit closer to the actual maintenance date, which is not set in concrete yet.

Please be patient as we go through this process. For those of you who are not running applications or custom code, you won’t need to worry as this change won’t necessarily affect you. After the testing period is over, a downtime announcement and the switchover date will be sent out in an email.

I have included the list below of the features most affected by this change:

PHP5.2, MySQL 5.0, Perl 5.8.8, Python 2.4.3

Chris

SPAM Attack Update

chris — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:40:50 +0000

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.

I hate SPAM!

chris — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 01:37:08 +0000

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.

More Disk Space

chris — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 18:43:12 +0000

The Light plan is better with more disk space! Imagine the many uses of more disk space! Now you can install Gallery and show off more photos, or have more documents in your Wiki, or worry less about how many emails you can have before it’s time to delete.

There is always the option of upgrading to the Stark plan if you are still running into space constraints, however, for most situations the Light plan is a good choice for a simple site. As always, if you have any comments just leave them in the comments section or fill out the Contact form.

New Account Center

chris — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 20:48:34 +0000

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.

Billing Software Evaluation

chris — Sat, 19 May 2007 23:24:55 +0000

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.

Billing Software Updated

chris — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:54:31 +0000

The billing software is now updated to the latest version. If you run into any problems or have any issues that were not present last time, please email support right away. I don’t expect there to be any problems as the upgrade was a minor release. However, as with any product there is a certain amount of unknowns which may occur after the upgrade.

Bottom line, if anything unusual happens, email us.

DST Update

chris — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 16:40:54 +0000

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.