What is rate limiting and how can I enable it in Composr?
Answer
Rate limiting prevents server overload by restricting the number of requests allowed from a single IP address within a specific timeframe. To enable Composr's built-in rate limiting, add the following to your _config.php file:
Static caching drastically improves performance by serving pre-generated pages to bots and guests. This works because these users typically don't require dynamic content. To enable it:
Go to the Installation Options editor (yourbaseurl/config_editor.php). You will need your maintenance password.
Activate the static cache option.
Composr intelligently determines what to cache, and you can further control this via options within the Installation Options. Be aware that enabling static caching may disable eCommerce features for guests unless specifically configured.
If you're having issues with notifications, here are some troubleshooting steps:
Check Email Logs: View the email log (Admin Zone > Audit > E-mail queue/log) to see what notifications have been sent.
Use the SU Feature: Impersonate a member using the SU feature (described in the "Testing access and privileges" tutorial) to view their notification settings and confirm they are set up correctly.
Enable Carbon-copy Email: Configure a "Carbon-copy e-mail address" in the configuration settings to receive copies of all outgoing emails, including notifications. This helps you monitor email delivery.
Verify System Scheduler: Ensure the system scheduler is configured correctly if members are not receiving digest emails.
Check Digest Settings: Confirm that "Enable digest notifications" is enabled in the Messages configuration settings.
Review "Safety listing limit": If a notification has too many categories, members might not see the full selection tree. Adjust the "Safety listing limit" in the configuration settings if necessary.
Can I control which notifications members receive?
Answer
Yes, you can control notification settings through two mechanisms:
Notification Defaults: You can set default notification preferences for all members. You can enable or disable specific notifications and choose the delivery method (Admin Zone > Setup > Notification defaults).
Notification Lock-down: You can force members to receive or prevent them from receiving certain notifications (Admin Zone > Setup > Notification lock-down). This allows you to enforce specific notification policies and manage email volume.
What notification options are available to members?
Answer
Members can choose from a wide range of notifications, including:
Content Updates: Notifications for new or updated content, such as news articles, forum posts, and gallery images.
Private Messages: Alerts for new private messages received.
Friend Requests: Notifications for new friend requests.
Administrative Actions: Alerts for actions taken by site administrators, such as account approvals or content moderation decisions.
Members can choose to receive notifications via:
Email: Notifications sent directly to their email address.
Digest Email: Combined summaries of activity sent in batched emails. This requires the system scheduler and the digest e-mails configuration option to be enabled.
Private Topics: Notifications delivered as private forum topics.
SMS: Notifications sent as text messages (requires configuration and incurs costs).
Web Notifications: Real-time alerts displayed within the Composr interface.
Can I share content like news and banners across the M.S.N.?
Answer
Yes, you can share news by placing it on the central site and using RSS blocks on satellite sites to display it. Banners can be shared by adding them to the central site and configuring satellite sites to use the central site's banner.php script.
What are Composr Clubs and how are they useful for subcommunities?
Answer
Clubs are special usergroups in Conversr (Composr's forum system) designed for creating subcommunities. They come with their own dedicated forums and are managed by members, taking pressure off site staff.
Key features:
No special permissions by default, simplifying permission management.
Members can join and leave like regular usergroups.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
