Orangeinks

Insoshi Introduces an Open Source Social Networking Platform

Insoshi is an open source social networking platform pretty much like a WordPress for social networks. This is great for developers who want to start an independent social networking site. The platform was built on another open source web framework called RubyonRails which is is a full-stack framework for developing database-backed web applications optimized for the programmer to be more productive.  So if you decide to use Inoshi or develop for Insoshi, you must have some knowledge in using RubyonRails or willing to learn the framework.

This is great news for developers, organizations and individuals who are planning or have some great ideas for a social networking site. With so many out there right now, we can expect them to grow in a much faster rate. It will also be easier for existing services, websites and even blogs to go social networking now. The beauty of open source is that you can do anything you want with it and the development opportunities are endless.

Tip: There are lots of open source platforms out there for different types of sites. You can check out opensourcecms for the list.

Tags: insoshi, programming, ruby on rails, social network service, web application, wordpress

WordPress Update 2.5.1 Includes Over 70 Bug Fixes

WordPress just released another update since a major one last month (ver 2.5). The new version 2.5.1, includes over seventy bug fixes including security fixes. Check out the full list of fixes made in 2.5.1 here.

As for added security, all is advised to place a secret key in their wp-config.php file. If you can’t come up with your own secret key, you can let WordPress generate a random secret key for you by clicking the “visit this link we set up to get a unique secret key” in their blog post. Just copy the entire line of code and paste it into your wp-config.php file (or overwrite this line if it exists:  define(‘SECRET_KEY’, ‘put your unique phrase here’); // Change this to a unique phrase).

Reminder: To update, just copy everything to your host EXCEPT the wp-content folder.  Copying the wp-content folder to your server will delete (overwrite) your currently installed themes and plugins. Always remember to backup.

Tags: Blog, Plugin, security, update, wordpress

WordPress 2.5 Stable Release Up for Download

WordPress just released its latest stable version (2.5) and it is looking great. The new version is equipped with a new interface which I think WordPress users will enjoy. It takes a little getting used to with the with the new look, but you’ll get used to it in no time. What caught my attention is the ability to change and edit your pemalink for a certain post (see images). This will make your post URL more search engine friendly and you can edit it to what you think is the best for SEO. The add media function is also new where you can easily add images, videos, audios, and other media in your posts. All plugins that I have been using seems to work fine.

Write Post

Edit Permalink

Upload Media

To upgrade to the new version all you have to do is copy everything to your server except the WP-Content Folder. Copying the wp-content folder will overwrite your plugins and themes so you will be left with nothing. Backing up all your files is always a necessary precaution to make whenever making an upgrade in your host. After copying everything just login to your dashboard and you will be asked to update your WordPress database.

You can get the newest version of WordPress here or check your WordPress dashboard for the update link.

Note: If you are using the Zemanta App which I have posted a while ago, It is currently not working with this new version of WordPress (2.5). So we have to wait until they upgrade their app.

Tags: 2.5, update, version, wordpress

WordPress 2.3.3 Urgent Update

A security flaw has been discovered in the XML- RPC implementation. XML-RPC is a spec and a set of implementations that allow software running on disparate operating systems, running in different environments to make procedure calls over the Internet. The update fixes the flaw that allows a user to edit post in your blog by doing a specially crafted request.  Enough with the technical details, if you are using WordPress and have your user registration enabled then you should update your hosted WordPress. This will prevent registered users in your blog from editing your posts.

The update also includes some bug fixes:

• gettext fails to determine byteorder on 64bit systems with php5.2.1
• some registration emails fail in 2.3.1 b/c of “callout verification”
• maybe_create_table call to config.php issue

WordPress also reported a vulnerability in the WP-Forum plugin that is being actively exploited right now. WP-Forum is a WordPress plugin that enables you to have a forum directly attached to your WordPress installation.  If you are using this plugin, it is strongly recommended that you remove it until an update is available from its author.

Tags: critical, flaw, Plugin, security, update, wordpress, wp-forum

WordPress Important Update (2.3.2)

WordPress just released an update that fixes a bug that could expose your draft posts. The update also suppresses some error messages that can give away information about your database table structure and limits and stops some information leaks in the XML-RPC and APP implementations. I have seen these error messages from orangeinks and some other blogs. The codes are there for everyone to see. I you’re using WordPress as a hosted blog platform, it is strongly suggested that you upgrade now to protect your blog from the said disclosures.

WordPress also added a little bonus of allowing you to define a custom DB error page.

Place your custom template at wp-content/db-error.php. If WP has a problem connecting to your database, this page will displayed rather than the default error message.

To help you with the upgrade, just follow the instructions posted here. And remember guys, backup your files.

Tags: 2.3.2, bug fix, security, update, wordpress

Installing WordPress on Godaddy

If you have chosen a WordPress friendly domain host then you will have no problem installing WordPress they will be the one to do it for you. If you have chosen a host like Godaddy then read on.

(Note: these steps should only be taken if you already have set up a hosting account in Godaddy. )

1. Download the WordPress files from wordpress.org and extract.

2. Go to your account on www.GoDaddy.com
.

3. Click on Hosting Account List Under My products.

4. The hosting account control panel should appear. Click open. Then a new page will appear for Hosting Control Center.

5. Click the Databases dropdown, you will see there a MYSQL icon.

6. After clicking the my SQL icon, you can now create your new database.

7. Choose which version you want to use. If you are not familiar with SQL then just choose the latest version. Note: list down the username and password for your database because you are going to need it later for the WordPress installation.) It would take a few min for go daddy to create your new database.

8. After your database is ready go back and check your newly created database. Under the Action column you will see a pen icon click it to edit or view details. List down the host name.

9. Now that you are all set go to your extracted WordPress files and open the file wp-config-sample.php. edit the following fields.

define(‘DB_NAME’, ‘putyourdbnamehere‘); // The name of the database

define(‘DB_USER’, ‘usernamehere‘); // Your MySQL username

define(‘DB_PASSWORD’, ‘yourpasswordhere‘); // …and password

define(‘DB_HOST’, ‘localhost‘); // 99% chance you won’t need to change this value. Enter the host name which you listed back in step 8.

Save your file as wp-config.php removing the -sample.

10. Now go back to Godaddy and click the content button. Under content you should find a FTP Client Icon. Click the icon and start transferring your WordPress files unto the root directory of your server. Note: do not transfer the WordPress folder. Select all the files inside the WordPress folder and then begin the transfer. It should take some time before all the files are transferred.

11. After all the files are transferred then you are all set! Just type-in www.yourdomain.com/wp-admin/install.php. Place an email add and a password will be given to you. Now you can stop reading this tutorial and start blogging. Enjoy!

Tags: Blog, database, FTP, godaddy, host, install, tips, wordpress