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Newest 10 Entries

Website PDStig, LLC
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Short Description This is an informational site / portfolio for PDStig, LLC, the company run by one of Composr's lead developers, Patrick Schmalstig.
Website Composr CMS: Your Data, Your Privacy, Your Control - Composr CMS: Your Data, Your Privacy, Your Control
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Short Description This is the main website for Composr CMS version 11. It runs the latest build of v11. Currently it is just a placeholder but will soon replace compo.sr when v11 becomes stable.
Question Should I use the bleeding edge releases or the git repository?
Answer

That depends on several factors. Here are some pros and cons of each:

Bleeding edge releases Git repository (v11 branch)
Easier to set up and use, and does not require knowledge of git Harder to set up and use unless you are familiar with git; must routinely run the file integrity check, database upgrade tool, and check database schema tools in the upgrader after pulling
More stable, but less frequent updates Less stable, but more frequent updates (almost daily!)
Only contains core code and addons unless you manually install non-bundled addons; non-bundled addons must be manually updated Contains all core code and non-bundled addons; non-bundled addons are updated with pulls (though you will need to check file/database integrity often and check blocks/modules for available upgrades)
Ability to test the upgrader / upgrading between new v11 versions Not able to effectively test the upgrader because git pull might load in and update new code early before the release is available
Always contains the latest files.bin and db_meta.bin because these are compiled with every release Does not always contain the latest files.bin and db_meta.bin. Therefore, file and database integrity may report false-positives.
Intended for general user testing Intended for developers / developer testing:
* special run-time checks are enabled for extra debugging (if the .git directory exists in the install)
* contains the automated test suite for running tests

Click here to access the git repository.
Question Can I switch a v11 install from git over to using the releases from composr.app?
Answer

It is not recommended you do this because you may run into issues. For example, some changes were made in crypto_master.php and data/upgrader2.php prior to the first v11 alpha. These changes will result in a broken upgrade unless you already pulled these changes from git. Similar situations could happen in the future as well.

It is recommended you either discard the git install and use a fresh install from the Downloads, or to maintain a git install and a bleeding-edge release install separately. Do not combine the two.

Question Should I update my non-bundled addons after updating to a newer release of version 11?
Answer

Absolutely! Frequent changes may be made to both bundled and non-bundled addons. Bundled addons will be updated via the upgrader. For non-bundled addons, you will have to update them through the addons management screen (Admin Zone > Structure > Addons). You will be informed which ones need updated.

Once version 11 reaches release candidate, we do not expect frequent updates to non-bundled addons anymore. But it is still good practice to check after every update.

Question Can I upgrade a version 10 site to version 11?
Answer

Yes, for basic non-custom v10 sites. However, expect some issues to arise in the process. And please report those issues to the tracker.

For v10 sites with non-bundled addons or customisations, upgrading to v11 will likely break the site until you update the non-bundled addons or temporarily remove the customisations.

We aim to have the upgrader fully functional for a large majority of types of sites and for sites using non-bundled addons by the time version 11 reaches release candidate stage.

We do not recommend upgrading production v10 sites at this time until v11 reaches stable.

Question Can I upgrade a previous version 11 release to a newer one using the upgrader?
Answer

Yes (probably). Always remember especially during alpha and beta phases that things can break. Please make backups first. And let us know on the issue tracker if an issue occurs.
 

Note: You cannot upgrade from 11 alpha to 11 beta without first upgrading to 11.alpha4 (if you are not already on 11.alpha4).

Question What are the current release plans for version 11?
Answer

As of July 22, 2024, we entered beta status where our focus is now smashing bugs and stabilising the software. All planned features have been implemented for 11.0 (and most others deferred to 11.1 or later), though we may still merge in a few minor features or tweaks. The upgrader has been tested on a typical non-custom v10 site.

We will be releasing several beta versions in the beta phase.

We do not know when we will be able to release the first Release Candidate or stable versions at this time.

These plans are all subject to change without notice.

Question Why is there a separate website for version 11?
Answer That is explained in detail in this news article on compo.sr including the migration plans and implications.

Top 10 Entries

Question What other methods exist for featuring content in Composr?
Answer
  • Random Quotes: The quotes feature allows you to display a rotating selection of quotes on your site.
  • Community Billboard (Requires Addon): The Community Billboard addon provides a dedicated space for displaying important announcements or community messages.
Question How can I create countdowns or display hit counters on my Composr website?
Answer Composr offers blocks for both functionalities:
  • Countdowns: Use the main_countdown block to add countdowns to specific dates and times.
  • Hit Counters: While generally considered outdated, you can use the main_count block to display hit counters for specific content.
Question Can I display forum content in a prominent way on my Composr site?
Answer Absolutely! Composr provides several blocks designed for featuring forum content:
  • News-Style Blocks: side_forum_news, main_forum_news, and bottom_forum_news display forum topics in a news format, ideal for forums used for news posting.
  • Topic-Focused Block: main_forum_topics showcases recent topics from specific forums, allowing you to highlight active discussions or important announcements.
Question What is the difference between using the main_awards block and directly selecting content with the main_content block?
Answer Both blocks can feature content, but they offer different approaches:
  • main_awards: Provides a structured system for managing featured content through award assignment, archives, and optional point rewards. Requires active management to update award holders.
  • main_content: Offers direct control over specific content or allows random selection from chosen categories. May require manual updates or adjustments.
Question What is the Composr Award system, and how do I use it?
Answer The Award system is a powerful tool for highlighting and promoting specific content. Here's how it works:
  • Award Types: Define awards associated with specific content types (e.g., "Download of the Week" for downloads).
  • Award Assignment: When editing content, designate it as the current holder of a relevant award.
  • Display: Use the main_awards block to showcase current award holders on your site.
  • Archive: Awarded content is automatically archived for easy access and historical reference.
  • Points: If you use points, recipients of awards can also receive points as a reward.
Question How do I feature specific content items on my Composr site?
Answer You can feature content using various methods:
  • Blocks: The main_content block allows you to display specific items by content type and ID or randomize content from selected categories.
  • Awards: Create awards for different content types and assign them to specific items. You can then use the main_awards block to display current award holders. Awards also integrate with points to credit points to award holders. And you can be reminded on the staff checklist to assign a new award every configurable amount of time.
  • Advanced Embedding: For greater control, use the main_include_module block to embed entire module screens within other content.
Question What are the benefits of featuring content on my Composr website?
Answer Featuring content provides several advantages:
  • Freshness and Activity: It gives your site a dynamic feel, showcasing updates and encouraging return visits.
  • Effortless Variety: Featuring content introduces diversity without extensive effort.
  • User Engagement: It draws users in and motivates them to check back for new featured items.
  • Prominent Placement: Featured content receives prime visibility, highlighting its importance or rewarding its creator.
Question How can I handle bounced emails?
Answer Composr includes a bounce filter tool that helps you remove bounced email addresses from your subscriber list. To use this tool, you'll need:
  • The PHP IMAP extension enabled on your server.
  • A dedicated folder on your email server to collect bounced emails.

The bounce filter tool scans the specified folder for bounce messages and lets you remove the corresponding addresses from your newsletter list. Composr will also halt attempts sending e-mails to those addresses to help prevent you from getting listed on spam blocklists.
Question How can I customize the appearance of my newsletters?
Answer You can customize the look of your newsletters by editing the following templates:
  • NEWSLETTER_DEFAULT_FCOMCODE.txt: This template defines the default content and layout for newsletters.
  • MAIL.tpl: This template controls the overall appearance of emails sent from Composr.
  • Custom mail templates: You can create custom HTML templates for specific newsletters.
Question How can I ensure my newsletters comply with data privacy regulations?
Answer Composr provides built-in mechanisms for compliance:
  • Unsubscribe links: Newsletters include an unsubscribe link, allowing recipients to opt out of the newsletters.
  • Global unsubscribe: All Composr emails include a link to a global unsubscribe page (data/unsubscribe.php), letting users unsubscribe from all site emails.