OK time for another update, news-wise.
As mentioned we are currently using the 'older' forum software version 2.0.x (currently 2.0.19)
I have been testing the new software, - beta version on my forum ytyak.com and the site linked in the original post in this thread is on 2.1.1 (production).
The updated SMF forum software is now up to 2.1.2 and is sufficiently stable that I am pappy to upgrade the forum to the new version of the software.
So that job has moved from my "one day" list to my "to do" list.
There will be a few changes and for those who have not seen, have a look at
the video here:
and the sample forum here:
https://gsx1400owners.org/21upgradetest/index.php?action=forum(Please note the sample is a test site only NOT the working version of the ORG so anything you post there will NOT be posted here, and will be lost).
Some of the major changes off the top of my head include:
* 'Likes' are now built into the forum's core software, rather than a separate mod. They'll work in exactly the same way, only existing likes won't get carried over.
* @mention members is also now part of core not an add on, it will work exactly the same way it does now.
* Some of the modifications we have on the forum are not compatible with the new forum software. In some cases we can get by without them, in some cases a good alternative is available, and in some cases authors have updated existing mods to suit!
* The most significant and important difference (and the key reason I have waited to update the forum) is that some of the security mods (protecting us from spammers) are not compatible with the new version, and the authors are no longer around to update them, and they don't have a software license allowing others to update them legally.
The good news is that I've implemented a new antispam measure and have been testing it on the two forums I run (this one and YTYak.com) and it is effective. It's a paid product but not expensive and certainly worth it.
So functionally there won't be too much to get your head around - the main thing is to
familiarise yourself with the user menus (see top left hand corner of the example site)
The remainder of the changes for most people are largely aesthetic.
(There is a change to where things are found in the admin menus so a few of us will need to get used to that - me included)
Feel free to ask any questions.
And if you are watching the video on YouTube please like and subscribe.
