We’ve done a major update to our iFoye remote access tool.  Version 4.6 utilized Java so that we could support cross platform (Windows, Linux, AND Mac).  However, due to some recent security issues with Java, some people were reluctant to have it on their computer.  To better support those people and to speed up the process when getting connected to a technician, our new iFoye version utilizes stand-alone client downloads.  There are two available downloads: 1) A small, online version which just gets the components the software needs to run and 2) a larger, offline version, which downloads everything our software needs to run on your computer.   We also still have the Java plugin version available which runs just like the older 4.6 version.

The new version of iFoye also offers many enhancements and fixes including better Windows 8  support.  Honestly, most of the changes are on the technican side, so you as the customer receiving help won’t see much change, but these changes will help us help you faster and more efficiently than ever!   We look forward to working with you using this new tool, so if you have computer issues, don’t hesitate to call us at 256-547-6817!

A new version of WordPress was just released (version 3.7).   We are in the process of pushing out the updates to all of our managed WordPress sites.  If you have a WordPress site, we recommend checking the functionality to insure the update has not broken anything.   Below are the main changes to this version:

• Updates while you sleep: With WordPress 3.7, you don’t have to lift a finger to apply maintenance and security updates. Most sites are now able to automatically apply these updates in the background. The update process also has been made even more reliable and secure, with dozens of new checks and safeguards.
• Stronger password recommendations: Your password is your site’s first line of defense. It’s best to create passwords that are complex, long, and unique. To that end, our password meter has been updated in WordPress 3.7 to recognize common mistakes that can weaken your password: dates, names, keyboard patterns (123456789), and even pop culture references.
• Better global support: Localized versions of WordPress will receive faster and more complete translations. WordPress 3.7 adds support for automatically installing the right language files and keeping them up to date, a boon for the many millions who use WordPress in a language other than English.

Of course, the “updates while you sleep” have been getting handled by Network Solutions, Inc. on our managed sites, but now the software is doing it for us.  We will still be applying updates to plugins and themes and, of course, pushing out the major WordPress updates which will not be automatic.
Update – Octover 30, 2013 – WordPress 3.7.1 was just released as a maintenance release fixing some bugs with the 3.7 rollout.  Here are the main updates:

• Images with captions no longer appear broken in the visual editor.
• Avoid fatal errors with certain plugins that were incorrectly calling some WordPress functions too early.
• Fix hierarchical sorting in get_pages(), exclusions in wp_list_categories(), and in_category() when called with empty values.
• Fix a warning that may occur in certain setups while performing a search, and a few other notices.

October 22, 2013 12:15pm – We are getting numerous calls from customers of Network Solutions, LLC.  Apparently, they are experiencing a large outage that is affecting many customer web sites and services.  Their main homepage is also unavailable, so many people looking for answers are coming across our page and contacting us.  Please note that although we are an internet provider, Network Solutions, LLC is an entirely different company and we have no control over their systems.   We will, however, try to provide updates here as we get them.  If you would like to try to call them, their number is 1-800-333-7680.

We see that they are posting updates via their Facebook account at http://www.facebook.com/networksolutions.  As of this writing, there is a post about email issues yesterday, but no mention of the large outage.

They are also posting updates on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/netsolcares.  According to their latest status: “Service Alert: We are aware that some Customers are experiencing issues with websites. Our Team is working on the issue. Please stand by.”

Update 1:35pm:  Their Twitter account has been updated to say “We’ve experienced an incident on Network Solutions DNS, and we’re in the process of restoring services. Thx 4 your patience.”

Update 5:00pm:  They have not posted any new updates on Twitter or Facebook, but the http://www.networksolutions.com page is now online, so we assume they are making some progress.  We will consider this issue resolved unless we hear something further.

At 7:31am CDT, we experienced a network outage which affected multiple upstream providers.  We contacted our providers who resolved the issue at 9:01am.   We have not been told what the issue was, but we will providing updates here as we find out more information.

This outage affected most websites and email services.  However, everything should be restored now.    If you are still having issues, please contact us at support@internetpro.net or cal 256-547-6817.

Update: 10:22am – Apparently the cause of the issue is “undetermined” according to AT&T.   We wish we could provide more information and have a better plan to head off future problems of this sort, but without being able to get more information from our providers, this is impossible.  We do apologize for the inconvenience.

We applied the WordPress 3.6.1 update to all of our managed WordPress sites today.  We recommend that users check over their WordPress sites thoroughly to make sure everything is still working as it is supposed to.  This update was a maintenance and security update which fixed 13 bugs.

It addresses three issues fixed by the WordPress security team:

• Block unsafe PHP unserialization that could occur in limited situations and setups, which can lead to remote code execution. Reported by Tom Van Goethem.
• Prevent a user with an Author role, using a specially crafted request, from being able to create a post “written by” another user. Reported by Anakorn Kyavatanakij.
• Fix insufficient input validation that could result in redirecting or leading a user to another website. Reported by Dave Cummo, a Northrup Grumman subcontractor for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additionally, the update adjusted security restrictions around file uploads to mitigate the potential for cross-site scripting.
If you have any questions, please contact us at support@internetpro.net or by calling 256-547-6817.

Our email server was put on a couple of blacklists this morning because of a compromised email account being used to send out spam.  We have disabled the offending account and have requested that our server be delisted from the appropriate blacklists.  Usually, it takes around 1-2 hours for all of the servers using these lists to refresh their listings.  Between now (8:00 am) and the next couple of hours, it is possible that our customers may see some messages rejected because of this listing.  In most cases, the sender will receive a “failure notice” quickly after the email is sent.  If one of these is received, we recommend waiting an hour or two and attempting to send the message again.

We apologize for any inconvenience this causes.   If you have any questions, please contact us at support@internetpro.net or call 256-547-6817.

Update Sept. 19, 2013 – This happened again, and we expect to be off all of the major blacklists by 5:00pm on Sept 19.

This morning we had an issue which affected our Legacy Webmail Interface for a short time.  The issue did NOT affect our newer, more modern web interface located at https://webmail.internetpro.net nor did it affect any client email programs.  The issue arose from a problem with our system which attempts to block hackers from guessing user passwords.  Our system locks out IP addresses from which numerous bad password attempts are made and keeps the IP blocked for up to an hour.  Unfortunately, that system malfunctioned and blocked ALL users.   The issue has since been cleared up.

Network Solutions, Inc. does also recommend using our NEWER, better web interface at https://webmail.internetpro.net which also allows you to store contacts (with pictures), features drag-and-drop folder support, a better WYSIWYG interface, and many other enhancements.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 256-547-6817 or email support@internetpro.net.

One of our servers had an issue today starting at approximately 1:30 CDT and lasting about 30 minutes.  The issue resulted in sites being unavailable.  The server houses our main page (the site you are on right now to read this) as well as some other customer sites.  A file system check was necessary, which delayed the resumption of service.   As of this writing, all services seem to have returned to normal.

If you have any questions or find an issue which you think my be related to this service interruption, please call us at 256-547-6817 or email support@internetpro.net.