FORUM BETA Testers Wanted -- Need Basic Computer Skills

[Forum Boss]

Guys, we tried to switch to a new server last night and, unfortunately, it had some issues.

JayChris believes we have definitely identified the cause of errors and slow performance. We have the Forum running in test mode on the new server. Jay and I have both tested it and it's working great, but we need to simulate a higher load with more users -- with posts and threads being created, photos being attached, searches being run etc.

We need a couple dozen guys who would be willing to help as BETA Testers. But there is a catch. To get into the Test Forum, you will need to be able to add one line of text to a Windows OS text file that points to websites. This would normally be done with NOTEPAD in Windows.

After you're done testing, you need to delete the one line you added and save the file. Then you'll go right back to the "real" Forum.

If you are interested, please send a PM to me or respond to this thread. But please, if you have any doubts about your ability to edit the text file, and then restore it -- don't volunteer.

If you ARE interested, send me your email and I will provide illustrated instructions. It takes about 10 seconds to edit the file and save it. Then you close your browser, restart it, and the BETA Forum should load when you type in "http://forum.accurateshooter.com"

 

[nicholst55]

I'll give it a shot.

 

[Forum Boss]

When we reach our "critical mass" of testers, I'll send the instructions to the crew and we'll set a time to get everyone online at the same time.

 

[ReedG]

Sign me up ...

 

[Steve Blair]

I will give you a hand as well. I assume you want to add a hosts file entry to point to the test server?

 

[nosualc]

PM sent

 

[TheBlueEyedBear]

I will help.

 

[TheSnake]

PM sent.

 

[TominSWNY]

Windows is not the only op system being used on the board!

 

[Jay Christopherson]

+1!

If you are using Linux or Mac OS X, that would be cool too. If you are running either of those OS's, want to participate, and need instructions, I can provide.

If you are using something like Solaris, Amiga, Commodore, or BeOS then I'm guessing you already know how to do this and I'll just provide the hosts entry. I'll be double impressed if you are actually running a web browser on those OS's that can actually render the site correctly...

Windows is not the only op system being used on the board!

 

[Steve Blair]

Jay,
I can test from Win 7 64, Win XP 32, Linux and Solaris. I see little point testing Solaris although I still occasionally run my old dual-proc Ultra 60.

 

[Forum Boss]

We're getting closer to critical mass for our test group. Jay wants at least 20 guys, if possible, to be on the BETA site at the same time, clicking and opening links, attachments etc.

Thanks to all the guys who've replied so far.

 

[Jay Christopherson]

Hah, I have an old school Ultra 5 that I fire up every so often to see that it still boots. I remember when the Ultra series was actually a high-end system...

We're more looking to generate "use case" type load than we are worried about different browsers/OS's. I just need to make sure that the database is executing efficiently under some load and that the backend PHP processor is able to do it's thing without slowing down or timing out like on Friday. Since the HDD/filesystem issues should be resolved and various tuning tweaks applied, I don't anticipate any issues, but this time around, I want actual statistics to review. One or two users is just not enough to get useful information.

Jay,
I can test from Win 7 64, Win XP 32, Linux and Solaris. I see little point testing Solaris although I still occasionally run my old dual-proc Ultra 60.

 

[DennisH]

I should be able to help with this project.

Are we adding a file or editing a file?

Also, once we add or edit the file, wouldn't the easiest way to restore your computer is to use the "system restore" command in system tools? I will create a "restore point" before editing/adding any OP system file. When finished, just restore your computer to the restore point you created.

Just a thought, and if the above works, might be easier for more people to jump in. Maybe when I recieve the instructions, things will be a piece of cake. I use to maintain the "software" on 29 computers at work, which involved "some" system files, so I feel pretty comfortable with this.

Just need the time and instructions: email: 6brx@cox.net

Dennis

 

[Jay Christopherson]

All you are doing is modifying the hosts file, adding a single line, which overrides the information you get from DNS for the forum IP. I don't want people getting the wrong idea about what will be asked of them. This has no impact on the running of your OS whatsoever. You could delete this file entirely and nothing would happen, unless you are using it extensively, which I highly doubt.

I don't think anyone will need to go to the trouble of a system restore process. It's neither necessary nor recommended here!

I should be able to help with this project.

Are we adding a file or editing a file?

Also, once we add or edit the file, wouldn't the easiest way to restore your computer is to use the "system restore" command in system tools? I will create a "restore point" before editing/adding any OP system file. When finished, just restore your computer to the restore point you created.

Just a thought, and if the above works, might be easier for more people to jump in. Maybe when I recieve the instructions, things will be a piece of cake. I use to maintain the "software" on 29 computers at work, which involved "some" system files, so I feel pretty comfortable with this.

Just need the time and instructions: email: 6brx@cox.net

Dennis

 

[Forum Boss]

Jay,

I strongly recommend against using the Windows system restore. That can create a lot of undesireable consequences, which I have experienced personally.

As Jay said, this is a very simple edit of one text file. It's really no different than changing a sentence in a post on this board. The hard part is finding the file in the first place. (You may have to change the view properties of the folder to "unhide" the file).

PM

 

[DennisH]

I strongly recommend against using the Windows system restore. That can create a lot of undesireable consequences, which I have experienced personally.

Understood! Change my post if you feel necessary, or I can do it. Dennis

 

[TheSnake]

Any idea when you will be running the test? Not sure if I have been chosen as a tester but if so, I would like to set the time aside to give you a good test.

 

[Forum Boss]

We didn't get the "critical mass" of BETA testers that Jay hoped for.

So... we are going to proceed with a LIVE install tomorrow afternoon Pacific time. I encourage all the guys who responded to this post to hit the Forum site hard starting at about 1600 hours (4 pm) Pacific tomorrow.

We may encounter some glitches tomorrow that require programming mods in the afternoon -- but we just have to push forward. Our existing Forum server has had 3 mysterious shut-outs in recent days, so we're on "borrowed time" with that machine.

 

[Nodak7mm]

We didn't get the "critical mass" of BETA testers that Jay hoped for.

Sorry Paul, but the definition of Basic Computer Skills and what you ask below are worlds apart

To get into the Test Forum, you will need to be able to add one line of text to a Windows OS text file that points to websites. This would normally be done with NOTEPAD in Windows.

&

All you are doing is modifying the hosts file, adding a single line, which overrides the information you get from DNS for the forum IP.

At least in my world.... ;D ;D

Sorry, would have loved to help. But now that I realize my computer skill are considered even more rudimentary than basic, I am at a loss.. :'(

Good Luck..

Rod