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Question What is the Composr Repository?
Answer The Composr repository is a user-friendly representation of Composr's data, which is typically stored in a database and on the filesystem. It presents the data in an easily accessible format using the JSON standard and can be accessed as a folder on your computer via WebDAV.
Question What is Commandr?
Answer Commandr is a command-line interface designed for experienced system administrators who prefer using a command line over a GUI. It supplements the Composr Admin Zone, allowing you to execute commands in the form of:
  • PHP code (prefix :)
  • SQL database queries (prefix @) (queries must be executed one at a time; semi-colon separation is not supported)
  • Shell commands (prefix #)
  • Commandr-code scripts (store in the Composr filesystem's bin directory, and just type the name of the script)
  • Commandr-code commands (no prefixes)

You can access Commandr via the Admin Zone > Tools > Commandr or using the Commandr button in the footer.
Question Are there alternative chat solutions that integrate with Composr?
Answer Yes, you can integrate third-party chat solutions with Composr. For example, CometChat is a commercial chat system that provides a Composr integration. You can also leverage video chat services like Talky, Jitsi, or appear.in by embedding links within your chat templates. For sales-chat needs, consider integrating a dedicated live chat platform like Comm100.
Question Are there any limitations to the Composr Chat system?
Answer While the Composr Chat system provides robust chat and IM features, it does have some limitations. Currently, it does not support video chat, sales-focused chat features, desktop app integration, or optimal performance for very high volumes of concurrent users. Additionally, it is only near real-time as Composr queries for new messages using AJAX at a set interval.
Question Are there any safety guidelines for younger users?
Answer It's crucial to emphasize safety, especially for younger users. Encourage them to follow these guidelines: never arrange to meet anyone from a chatroom in person, be cautious about sharing personal information, and report any suspicious behavior to moderators.
Question Can I download chat logs?
Answer Yes, you can download logs of any chat conversation. Simply navigate to the chatroom, click on the "Download chat logs" link, specify the desired date/time range, and the system will generate a downloadable log file for you.
Question How can I moderate the chatrooms?
Answer Composr offers a range of moderation features. Moderators can edit or delete messages, ban disruptive users, and delete entire chatrooms if necessary. Inline moderation links are available within chatrooms for quick actions, while the Admin Zone provides comprehensive moderation tools for managing chat content and user behavior.
Question What is Chatcode and how can I use it?
Answer Chatcode is a system of simple commands that you can embed within your chat messages to perform advanced actions. These actions include sending private messages to specific users within a chatroom, interacting with automated bots, sending chatroom invitations, and even creating new chatrooms.
Question How does the chat system work?
Answer The chat system utilizes AJAX technology, enabling dynamic updates without requiring page reloads. It includes a "Chat Lobby" where users can view available chatrooms and manage their friend lists for instant messaging. Users can join chatrooms to participate in group conversations or engage in private conversations with friends.
Question What is the Composr Chat system?
Answer Composr Chat is a feature built into the Composr CMS that provides both chatrooms and instant messaging capabilities. It offers real-time, text-based communication for users on your website.

Top 10 Entries

Question How do I debug email integration issues?
Answer
  • Email Tracking: Composr marks emails as read when processing posts. Marking an email unread will trigger re-processing.
  • Log File: Create an empty file named data_custom/mail_integration.log to capture detailed log data for troubleshooting.
Question How can I control who can post in my forums?
Answer You can manage posting permissions using Composr's usergroup system.

  • Forum View Access: Determine which usergroups can view each forum.
  • Privilege Overrides: Grant or deny specific privileges (e.g., posting) to usergroups within a forum.
  • Bypass Validation: Allow trusted members to post without moderation (or vice versa, require validation for certain usergroups).
Question What special features does Composr's Conversr offer compared to other forum software?
Answer
  • Advanced Polls: Blind polls, forcing or setting of default options, and point-weighting.
  • Private Topics: More sophisticated than traditional private messages.
  • Forum Introduction Questions: A flexible way to control access and encourage engagement (e.g. forum-specific rules or forum passwords).
  • Cascading Topics: Pinned topics that appear in multiple forums.
  • Integrated Moderation: Streamlined moderation tools within the forum interface.
Question How do topic polls work?
Answer Topic polls are a powerful tool for gauging opinion within discussions. You can:

  • Control Result Visibility: Choose whether results are visible before voting.
  • Require Topic Reply: Force users to reply to the topic before voting.
  • Show Voter Identities: Optionally display which members voted for each option.
  • Allow Vote Revocation: Let voters change their vote while the poll is open.
  • Set Voting Close Time: Define a specific date or time for the poll to close.
  • Restrict Selections: Limit the number of options voters can choose.
  • Allow Guest Voting: Enable voting for unregistered users.
  • Weight Votes by Points: Give more influential members greater voting power (requires the points addon).
Question What are the different types of posts in Composr forums?
Answer
  • Regular Posts: Standard posts made by members within a topic.
  • Quick Replies: Shorter replies made directly from the topic view.
  • Anonymous Posts: Members can choose to post anonymously, appearing as a guest. Staff can track the actual user if needed.
  • Emphasised posts: Posts made by staff (or marked by staff) which are highlighted to draw attention as they are important.
  • Whispers: Private messages embedded within public topics, allowing for side conversations.
  • Private Topic Posts: Private messages sent between specific members (e.g. an on-site "inbox").
Question Can I integrate email with my forums (mailing list)?
Answer Yes, you can enable email integration for each forum individually. This allows members to post and receive updates via email.

Requirements:
  • PHP IMAP extension installed
  • System scheduler (Cron) running
  • IMAP-compatible mail server

Recommended:
  • Mail server enforces SPF and DKIM for email validation
  • Mail server limits email size to prevent abuse
  • System scheduler runs frequently (e.g., every minute) so members get prompt updates
Question How do I organize my forums effectively?
Answer
  • Structure: Composr's forums follow a hierarchical structure. You can create forum groupings, forums, and sub-forums (and sub-sub-forums etc) in that order of hierarchy.
  • Strategies: Avoid creating too many forums, which can dilute activity. Start with a few well-defined forums and expand as needed.
  • Permissions: Use Composr's permission system to control access to forums and features. For example, you can create private staff forums.
Question How can I keep track of activity in busy forums?
Answer Composr provides several tools to help you stay up-to-date with forum activity:

  • Virtual Forums: Special forums like "Posts since last visit" and "Topics with unread posts" provide filtered views of recent activity.
  • Read Status: Topics with unread posts are displayed in bold with a jump-to-first-unread link. You can manually mark topics or entire forums as read or unread.
  • Notifications: You can enable email notifications for specific topics or forums, either manually or automatically based on your activity.
Question What security measures should I consider for local payments?
Answer While Composr supports local payments (Authorize.Net), it requires high PCI compliance. Ensure you adhere to the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) guidelines, including secure coding practices, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, regular security audits, and staff screening.
Question How can I audit my eCommerce activity in Composr?
Answer Composr provides tools for monitoring your eCommerce activities:

  • Sales list management: Cancel purchases, view sales history, and manage refunds (Admin Zone > Audit > eCommerce > Sales list management).
  • Charts: Generate profit/loss accounts and cash flow diagrams for specific periods (Admin Zone > Audit > eCommerce, and Admin Zone > Audit > Site statistics).
  • Manual transactions: Record transactions outside of Composr for accurate accounting (Admin Zone > Audit > eCommerce > Manual transaction).