Earlier today we upgraded the software used on The Byzantine Forum to the latest release. Most users should not see any difference. If you find any issues with the Forum software please either post them here or send me a PM or e-mail. Please include information on the browser you use (i.e., Internet Explorer 7 or Firefox 3.x, etc.).

Thanks!
John

Yeah - I certainly found that out

So far since everything is back it's running fine for me [ Leopard, FF3 and Safari 3 ]

I have been experiencing a general slowdown when trying to access the Forum. Whether I am logged in or not, whether I am going directly to the Forum or visit an article on the right side of the initial homepage, it takes forever to get to the Forums page. And once there, navigating between Forum topics or even threads in a topic it is the same thing.

I am using a MacBook Pro, Mac OS 10.4.11 with a 2.2 Ghz intel Core 2 Duo processor and 2 gigs of RAM, 120 gig HD. I will be upgrading to Leopard shortly and hope that might help. I will report back. I normally use Safari 3.1.2, but have experienced the same thing using Firefox 2.0.0.14. I can use Internet Explorer but have not tried it yet.

Tim

ps--the computer is less than one year old.

Hmm Tim

I'm on a C2D MacBoook and was using 10.4.11 until last week - with the occasional sloooooooow day . I was also using FF3

Last week switched to 10.5.5 [ :D] and used Safari until 2 days ago when I got fed up with it crashing every few days - have gone back to FF3

Internet Exploder on a Mac !!!!! horror of horrors

Anhelnya--I couldn't agree more. In fact, I just tried accessing the Forum using Internet Explorer v5.2.3 for Mac and it was slower than anything else! I was thawing out some food for dinner with my son and I put something in the microwave for three minutes within a few seconds of trying to access the RDL page---the three minutes were up and I still hadn't gotten to the complete ByzCath page! The only thing that came up was a page with the proper color background and the banner--the icon screen and the words "The Byzantine Forum Discussing the Christian East." That was it. No other words, no scroll bars. Very sad, actually.

I worked at Penn State University and the computer support department sent out a University wide e-mail about four semesters ago urging everyone to NOT use Internet Explorer, for Mac or PC. They suggested Safari for Mac and Firefox or one of the other Mozilla products for PC. Apparently they did a test--the took a brand new PC, top of the line, right out of the box. Turned it on, logged onto a national sports page and then ran tests--just accessing the one page had added 32 viruses, a trojan horse and several other programs that were intended to turn the PC into a zombie. Now, this was without a firewall or using anykind of anti-virus protection. But for a new computer to go to one page and have that much breach of security--it is sad. IE just leaks like a seive.

I don't care whether people like PC's or Mac's better. The world is big enough for everyone. But IE has passed it's day and should be avoided like the plague. Way too many holes.

Tim

The only change I noticed is that IE now shows avatars, something that Firefox has done since downloaded it several months ago.

Tim,

I hate to say what I am going to say, BUT, the problem might not be with the forum software or your browsers. From the description of the issue reminds me of a problem I had about a year ago. My high speed modem was dying and could no longer process the speed required for loading pages.

You may want to try a couple things first. The first thing is clear or delete your cookies for this forum as to get rid of any conflicts. Then try the page. Also try shutting your modem down for several minutes and then rebooting it. If the problem persists, call your ISP and request a line test. If that checks out alright, then I am afraid it is time for a new modem. Depending on the ISP (phone vs cable) you may actually have to outright buy the modem which can go for $100 and up.

One last thought, if you are using a router buddied to your modem, try working off the modem. If no difference, then I am afraid it is time for a new modem. If it works much better from the modem, then the router may be going. Routers can be had for about half the price of a new modem. Most high speed modems and routers are designed to work properly only for 3-4 years.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Administrator

Thank you sir. Very good suggestions, one and all. Especially trying it directly from the modem. That would certainly tell me a lot! I bought that modem about four or five years ago, as a matter of fact. It was Good Friday afternoon when the cable man came to install the high speed access. We both wanted it done as quickly as possible for the same reason. That was satisfying, at least. He did put a line booster on the modem line, since the signal wasn't what he thought it should be. A quick solution, but given the day of the year, I didn't mind!

I thank you for your concern and thoughts,

Tim