Server Software Update

Artful will update our server database version soon as part of a necessary upgrade.

This is a major server based database update.

We cannot predict how negatively it will impact older websites.

  • It is highly likely to negatively affect websites running severely outdated versions of Joomla, Wordpress and PHP.
  • This will cause downtime or complete site failure and you might lose important functionality or data in the process.

Old versions of Joomla and PHP are also more vulnerable to security breaches, so moving to a newer version is a critical protection against potential hacking or data loss.

Joomla 3 is obsolete

What‘s wrong with Joomla 3?

Joomla 3.x is END OF LIFE and no longer receives security updates or fixes. It is highly unstable and vulnerable.

 "No further security releases will be made - Not even security releases!" Sadly Joomla 3 website software is now marked obsolete by it's developers.

This must be updated ASAP because:

  • No tech support for any issues with website or plugins
  • Hacking risk as no more security updates
  • Joomla 3 websites can stop working after any server software update

NB Artful must also update our server, OS and database software by May.
We can't guarantee your site will work after these major updates.

Why move your site to Joomla 4.x or 5.x are to:

  • STRENGTHEN SITE SECURITY
  • MAINTAIN SITE DATA

Options available to you:

  • NEW SITE BUILD WITH JOOMLA 4 or 5
  • CONVERT YOUR WEBSITE TO A STATIC HTML PAGE WITHOUT A BACKEND
  • DO NOTHING AND TAKE THE RISK

What next?

If you would like some more information please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss. We are here to help make the switch to a more secure and functional website as smooth as possible for you.

Outdated Wordpress Website Software

It is essential to maintain Wordpress plugin and theme software to keep your website functioning and secure.

Old versions of Wordpress and PHP e.g. php7.4 will become increasingly unstable.

Issues outdated Wordpress software causes:

  • Outdated or retired themes installed on your Wordpress website are extremely unstable
  • Increasingly vulnerable to hacking attempts
  • Server level software updates may conflict with old website software resulting in your website being taken offline unexpectedly.
  • Missed website performance opportunities and new Wordpress features.

What updates are included in my hosting?

Recently Artful have made changes to our processes to ensure your websites are kept up to date and secure. We endeavour to maintain the security of your site by updating all integral CMS (Joomla/Wordpress etc) core extensions at no extra charge to you, as part of your hosting agreement.  Core extensions are those that we have used on your site, usually for backup and security functionality, that are created and maintained by trusted third party developers.

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Reserve your .au Direct domain now!

  • Priority access as an existing domain holder ends 19 September 2022. 
  • Application fee of $35 includes 1 year registration. (if successful) 
  • Just email us to confirm and we can grab your eligible .au Direct domains for you.
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Email Setup Information

 If you have email hosted with Artful below is the configuration settings you will need to set it up on your devices.

Incoming mailserver:

mail.yourdomainname.xxx.xx
IMAP Port: 993  POP3 Port: 995

  • Substitute 'yourdomainname.xxx.xx' with your actual domain name.
  • Use TLS/SSL
  • Your Username is the entire email address.
  • Use the same details for incoming mailserver to configure your outgoing mailserver.
  • Remember to set authentication to ‘password’.
  • Entering the Password is NEVER optional - enter it!
  • In some cases you need to dig deeper to enter your outgoing server (SMTP) information - but you need it.
  • If this all sounds like gibberish, please pass on this information to your favourite nerd or give us a call ☺

Username/email address:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Password:

xxxxxxxxx

Outgoing mailserver:

mail.yourdomainname.xxx.xx
SMTP: Port 465

 

You can also use webmail to access your email from anywhere with a web browser. Use the url below to access it, remembering to change the words ‘yourdomainname’ to your actual domain name.

 

https://www.yourdomainname.xxx.xx/webmail

 

As with normal email you need to use your full email address to login and current email password.

Tins & String

Are you thinking that heading back to the days of communicating via 'tins and string' would be far easier than managing your mailbox?   You're not alone.
There are heaps of articles out there on how to manage your mailbox.
 
Here at Artful we have compiled a list of some of the more helpful tips, that all about creating good habits when managing your email.
 
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SCAM ALERT: Don't let your domain name fall into the wrong hands!

We have become aware of a number of scam emails doing the rounds informing you that your domain has expired and requires payment for renewal.  Unfortunately a couple of our clients have been caught out and have made payment!
How to avoid being scammed

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Websites for the Visually impaired

There has recently been an influx of spam emails in Australia from an amywils.1976@gmail suggesting that she is having problems navigating your website because she is visually impaired and your website is not compatible with screen readers.
 
If you receive this email, please cheerfully ignore and delete as it is actually just SPAM.
  
Joomla, Wordpress and Opencart (the main CMS's we use to build your websites) have been created with screen readers and visual impairment in mind. When we build your website we also take steps to ensure your website is usable for the visually impaired.
 
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Form Spam? Get a Google reCaptcha

It's free to get and generally takes less than 30 minutes to enable on Joomla & Wordpress wesbites. All you need is a Google account. Go to https://www.google.com/recaptcha & select the blue blox Get reCaptcha.

Prevent spam on your website with minimum impact on genuine website users.

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