Is it my computer? It seems to me that the ECN board has been running real slow the past few times I have been on it. I don't know if it is the board or my PC or my internet wiring. Since Sandy, there are temporary cable wiring out on the poles.

It's fine on my end. I wouldn't hesitate to blame the cable co. temporaries (which I guarantee will be there a year from now!).

Slow here too.
It has been for a while off and on. I don't really see a pattern.(time of day, days of the week etc)

I am guessing it is just servers some place along the way that are loaded up. I see a few other sites that are slow and others are always OK.

Slow and a plug-in running in the background crashes.

I spoke too soon, running slow on my end now too.

I did a Visual Route Server trace route to the home page and it came back showing errors near the last node so it may be something in the network.

OK, you computer savy guys are way out of my league. My laptop has been slow...& a lot of error msgs. Here, AOL & Email.

But, the PC on my office (work) network has been crashing three+ times a day. IT guy is scratching his......

I think I have issues with IE at the house, I'm going to start using Google Chrome.

I am using Firefox. That is the engine behind Google Chrome, supposedly without the spying.

I left MSFT and went with Linux Mint -- it's free as a Web download.

Within Mint you have Libre Office -- basically a clone of MSFT -- it's free.

And it has Opera -- which is out of Norway. Chrome is an immitation of Opera. Both are cloud oriented.

And it has Firefox.

Some parts are clunky -- others are sweet.

It does have a compelling price level -- ZERO.

I have found that Firefox under Linux Mint is less buggy than just about everything I've tried.

It still doesn't stop the s l o w s.

I tweaked a few things. Let's see if it's any better.

Bill

Greg,

I still use Firefox but my son wants me to go to Goggle Chrome. Whats the difference?

Does the Forum seem better (quicker) today?

Dear Master,

Actually, yes! It does seem quicker to me today. I would notice the slowdown when I tried to post a message or reply. It seemed to hang up before returning me back to the forum.

Like I just checked it right now and the reply uploaded quickly and returned me to the forum pretty fast.

Thanks!

It's working a bit better than when I was on earlier today. It took quite a while for pages to load, but just on this site.

Randy,

I don't see any errors in the logs for today yet. I'm going to keep checking them daily for awhile.

I'd appreciate more input from anyone on this as I can never tell if it's just my connection or my PC.

Bill

Seems to be OK, loaded OK & I'll see how this post goes.

Only thing I notice now is it takes a while to publish a new post, otherwise all seems well.

Seems OK, my post & the kid jumped in before the page refresh.

I do notice a dramatic difference in ECN's response between my home computer and my work computer. Work has the s l o w one.

Since the work computer has many other issues, and the company has all manner of goofy quirks, I place the blame on IT's "witches brew" of computer controls.

That my employers' computer system actually is mentioned in the latest Clancy Novel (Threat Vector), I suspect that security concerns are the cause of the quirky IT stuff. (FWIW, Clancy did 'change the names' to suit his tale. That the employer had to pay a massive fine is a tale for another day).

Just now as I was coming into ECN my laptop froze for about 10 seconds. This is the only site that happens on..

Added: Now that I've been on a bit, it seems to be working good. Maybe there was a hiccup on my end.

I'm sure you already know this , but...

For the past few days my computer has been giving me a security warning when I come to ECN, telling meit has disabled a JAVA plug-in. Other news tells me that there has been a major flaw found in Java.

Reno,

No, I didn't know that. I haven't seen that error message. Do you have the latest Java?

I do notice some slowness now and then and am looking for ways to improve performance. We were getting out of memory errors and the host server was giving us 'cpu throttling' (like 'timeouts') many times per day.

I noticed many errors relating to time consuming searches for things like 'Blackjack', 'Viagra' and other spammer subjects. I disabled the search feature for non-members and those not logged in and haven't had any of those since.

No 'timeouts' from the host server in a few days now, and no memory errors. To go further, I'm thinking I may have to Archive some of the older threads and am looking into that as time allows.

Bill

http://www.ivizsecurity.com/blog/pe...-with-no-patches-quick-fixes-to-protect/

Java's latest version has been thoroughly compromised....



"What does it affect?

Most of the recent Java run-time environments i.e., JRE 1.7x are vulnerable. This vulnerability affects Java 7 (1.7) Update 0 to 6. Does NOT affect Java 6 and below.

The publicly available exploits work on all versions of Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera. It also works on Chrome in Windows XP, Safari on OS X 10.7.4."

Hence, it's a pretty good bet that you've got black hats having a field day with the Forum.

And, yes, I've experienced clunky Web response -- even through to this morning.

It's just ECN, though. The rest of the Web is still snappy.

Tesla,

I had no idea. That article was from back in August. Is there still no fix?

I disabled the Chat Counter and the Classified list that use Java.

Any better?

I am running Java 1.4.2 so that is not the problem.

Greg,

Do you get an error message?

Nope, it just says "waiting for ec.net"

There's a utility I can run to 'repair and optimize' the database. Not guaranteed to work, or help, but it's worth a try.

I will shut down forum around Midnight EST to give it a shot.

Note, this won't affect the chat area.

Bill

Access from work office is OK, no issues at all today
Last nite was sporadic via my LT on IE,postings came up with error msgs via IE

A big thanks for fixing the problems, Bill.

It seems to load quicker than ever now!

Gee,

I didn't think that I would create such a problem! Mind seems to be working just fine right now.

OK, This post was a little slow. So slow in fact that I thought that I didn't hit "SUBMIT" but when I hit it again, it told me that it was already submitted.

Harold,

Not at all. Thanks for bringing it up. I can't always tell there's a problem.

I still have some tweaks that I think will help, and a slightly newer version to upgrade to, which may have some Bug Fixes in it that might help.

Bill

FYI,

I intend to install a software update Sunday night around Midnite (EST).

The Forum will be shut down for a short time, but the chat area will still be active.

Bill

Upgrade completed.

Let me know of any problems.

Bill

Just the regular old "gotta log in again" thing.

It seems to be going fast enough.

Seems faster on my end, home on laptop. I'll check from work office tommorrow.

Greg,

Do you mean you had to log in after the Update, or you always have to log in?

Bill

FWIW, Yesterday I received an update from Java, that may have addressed the security issue.

Bill:
FWIW, I had to log in also.
No big deal this time, Windows remembered my password as I have no clue what it is.

Just a one time thing. I guess the update ignores old cookies.

Weird, I never had to log in!

Log in took about 15-20 seconds from the office system
Other than that....seems OK

Sometimes to me it seems so much quicker, but other times it doesn't.

Hate to do it, but I'm going to start looking into other hosting options. I think other traffic on the server we're on has too much effect on us.

Bill

It may be local traffic on the web. With the exception during the recent updating to address the "clunkiness", its been working fine with the exception of local network issues which the board has any control over

http://arstechnica.com/information-...seless-add-ons-and-toolbars-on-pc-users/

This ^^^^^ is what you're dealing with.

Also, watch out for deliberately delayed program update add-ons that clunk up response speed.

http://arstechnica.com/security/201...re-relied-on-java-exploit-to-infect-pcs/

ECN is exactly the kind of site that Red October would've automatically trolled -- just because of its technical content. This type of spyder expands on automatic. It's not placed on a given system consequent to a direct human command. Rather, the spyder is given criteria for infestation -- such as technical terms and a Forum construct -- and then set loose on the Web.

http://arstechnica.com/security/201...re-relied-on-java-exploit-to-infect-pcs/

^^^^ Check out this article INRE chronic Java holes so large that it's embarrassing.


http://arstechnica.com/security/201...s-being-massively-exploited-in-the-wild/

"According to researchers at Alienvault Labs, the exploits work against fully patched installations of Java. Attack files are highly obfuscated and are most likely succeeding by bypassing security checks built in to the program. KrebsOnSecurity said the malware authors say the exploits work against all versions of Java 7."

Wayyy faster over here! Thank you Bill!

Ran another visual server traceroute and it looks like the node problem just before the server has cleared up as well

The last one I ran was on Jan 11 and st that time it showed there was a wonky router in Provo UT, so it may have also impacted the response times.

mbhydro,

Thanks for the followup.

Bill

Right now at office before work kand the site is moving very, very slowly. It just could be the office system here is old and antiquated, or just a slow moving security system here. This is why I unusually check in from home.

Slow here too

Seems OK here in Edison...
Our IT equipment is also s l o w.

I've noticed very slow times too. I don't know enough to nail down specific reasons, but will keep looking for ways to improve.

If anything major is needed it will likely have to wait until after the FREE website situation is resolved.

Bill

Yep it just seems to hang loading and then it takes off.

My understanding, as it is all requests first go somewhere else (to another server) before they get here. I don't know if that is any, or a good part of the problem, but it can only help to eliminate that extra step.

Bill

FYI:

Tonight, Apparently there was a power outage in Utah, where the server is located.


Bill

Posting seems to be real slow this morning. Just thought I would let you know.

I'm looking for a new Host. I can't make a move for at least another 2-3 weeks.

Bill

Is the server in a data center? One recently went on line in my Twp. Eight (8) 2MW, 13.3KV Cat gensets (diesel) for the power outage situations that may arise.

It's a big hosting company, like a GoDaddy, but not as big. I heard something about UPS problems too, so maybe they don't have Generators.

I think either they've jammed too many sites per server, or we've just outgrown what they have to offer.

Bill

gfretwell.com is on Web.com, mostly because the HOA I belong to also has their site there and I manage both.
Just easier to deal with one company. I would move both of them if they really made me mad but they seem OK.

Brutally slow here in the office this morning. Had basically no access from my laptop last night, with IE or Google Chrome, all I got was the 'unable to connect'. Did not have time to try from home (LT) this AM

It goes from lightning fast to unable to connect between clicks. I wouldn't be surprised if it is a server-side problem.

That post took about 30 seconds and ended with this message:

A misconfiguration on the server caused a hiccup. Check the server logs, fix the problem, then try again.

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error
3rd attempt same

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error
3rd attempt same
still...

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error
3rd attempt same
still...
still...
still....

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error
3rd attempt same
still...
still...

Got on the third try tonite at home. IE failed connection error; same via Google Chrome. Back to IE...I'm here.

OK; 1st attempt...error
2nd attempt error
3rd attempt same
still...
still...
still....

sorry guys, I'm working on making a move.

Bill

I'm not complaining....just posting the situation.

I know, I appreciate the info. It is at the point of being ridiculous with this host.

I am under contract with the Free web people to give them 30 days notice before discontinuing their service. I was going to time a move to coincide with that, but the recent problems have convinced me to act earlier.

I've purchased a VPS package (virtual private server) to move things to, and will try to make the move in the next couple days. (I may have to put an ad or two around the place to offset the costs )

Bill

Understood! BTW, I appreciate the site. Thanks for the work you put into it.

It's weird, only time I had an issue with the website, it was when it was being worked on. Maybe ye'all just connect through Alaska...

Thanx Bill for your hard work on the problem and maintaining this great site. Do what you must to get it right and the good people of this site has your back. And so do I....

Bill:
I to have to say a sincere "Thank You!!"

Seems a bit shaky from here too. Two attemts to connect, then wouldn't let me log in at first.
I add my thanks. I don't contribute much but would miss the site if it wasn't here.

It works OK over here on this side of the planet.

I think a few of us here have forgotten where we started out, by this I mean, remember back in the days of 56k modems when it used to take AGES to get anything loaded on a web-page, even longer if that page actually had images (as small as they were back then).

This fault has nothing to do with Java, I might add and I find it strange how the chat indicator has been disabled, when it has nothing to do with the actual fault, which is more than likely an overloaded server, that is serving more than this particular site.

Personally, if the current server cannot "cut the mustard", it is surely time we moved to something more reliable.

To those people that say they had to log in again, the simple solution is to reset the cookies in your web browser, beit IE, Firefox or whatever you use.

Bill,
Don't get me wrong, I am not at all having a go at you or any of our members here, but it seems to me that some people are falling into the traps of the Generation Y folks that get all bent out of shape when things don't happen INSTANTLY!

Mike,

Thanks for the support, but there is definitely a problem. It comes and goes, so it may not be obvious to everyone.

There have been far too many times recently where I have seen it take 30 sec for a reply to show up, or not at all. Sometimes I can't even log in, it just times out.

I don't see anyone here as complaining, I asked for input, it's something I need to know. I agree the java wasn't the problem, but just forgot to put it back. The login issue was because the software was upgraded.

It looks like spammers have hacked in several times, over the past few months, Files get changed, and I've gotten no answers from these hosting people, I have the date and exact time, but they won't tell me what is in the logs. I think AOL has the mail server blacklisted, most likely because some other account on the server is sending out spam. From what I hear this Hosting company has many people jumping ship.

It's a definite, we are moving, already paid a year in advance, just waiting on the new company to get things set up.

Bill

We're at our new home!

As you may see, some issues exist, like no left column, no 'Active Topics' list, and show users posts seems to produce an error.

I'll be trying to resolve them as soon as I can.

Please... let me know if you spot , or have any other issues.

Bill

Seems like you fixed the speed problem. It is moving right along.

Looks good, runs good, looks like you fixed it!

well it looks good to me, but whadda i know?

and what's this generation Y thing? i thought we were still on X ? what happens when we run outta letters?

i'll be hiding under my bed....hold my calls please

~S~

I haven't had any real problems but it scared me that it came up so fast. Thanks Mike for all your hard work on the problems and the whole website in general

It does seem much faster, I'm glad for that.

FYI, I'll be shutting down in a few minutes soon to do something, should only be a few minutes ....

Bill

Is anybody else getting a request to run an application from Electrical-contractor.net every time they click on a topic since the fix? I am on the latest Firefox version if that makes a difference.

Thanks

I was trying some different settings on and off earlier that may have had some effect, I'm not sure, but I'm done with that now.

Right now I'm using the latest FF and see no problems. Are you still seeing that? How about if you close the browser and reopen?

PS. Is anyone else seeing any problems with FireFox (or other Browsers)?

I am on FF too, no problems at all.
Running great.

Just a thought. if the money gets to be a problem, maybe you could start a pay pal account and we could just pitch in.

IE on my laptop at home and all is well.

Think it may be something to do with JAVA. Some other sites that I go to from time to time are also asking to run Java things this morning.

I may have done something when it was suggested that Java was a possibility for the site running slow.

Have to look deeper at it when I get home from work.

Greg,

Thanks for the thought, but not necessary. It was something that had to be done, (and is tax deductable)

Bill

Please let us know what you find out.

Bill

Doing the same thing here at work under IE 7.0

Only the error is saying my verison of Java is unsecure. Guess I have to talk to the IT boys to update Java on work PC's.

And maybe do an update at home to see if the problem goes away there.

I had some Java update popup in the last day or two at my LT at home. Let it update, and I see no issues so far.

Work PCs are under the eyes of the IT Gurus, and no updates are allowed unless IT guys do it in person. This work PC is S L O W...but ECN is fine!!

I have about had it with ECN, at least on my home computer.

Every page I open pops up a Microsoft security warning, asking if I want to run this application. Every page. This is probably what MB is talking about two posts up.

And, yes, I'm using Firefox.

Reno:
Hang in there!! Don't let little things get to you. Bill is doing his best to straighten out the issues & keep this site going.

I did not have an issue like you describe, just either slow or IE 'no connect' messages. I know that it's frustrating, I feel your pain, but....hang in there. You have 4800+ posts and most of us enjoy your take on issues.

Reno,

Can you provide some details? Does it tell you what application it is talking about? Do you have Java turned off? Or any elevated security settings?

I found something that may explain what is going on with the Run this application message:

https://service.parachat.com/knowle...n-this-application-security-warning.html

There is also a video version:

http://service.parachat.com/knowled...Do-you-want-to-run-this-application.html

To anyone getting the message .. can you tell me what the name of the Application is on the message?

Actually I just found the same web page 5 minutes ago after running a full virus scan to make sure it was not something that came in my mail. I changed changed the settings as instructed and it appears to have fixed the problem on my home PC.

From what I could sort of find from putting my mouse over the message it appeared to be something to do with chat.

Did you just change the background wall paper in the last hour or so, or did I do something else trying to fix my problem?

Message says it wants to run an application from electrical-contractor.net/ html 12.

I tried to send a screen shot but could not.

That's exactly the type of error I had but going into java through the control panel settings and changing the security level back to medium from the "recommended" level seems to have fixed the popup on every page.

I was also not able to grab a screen shot as I wanted to post on earlier.

/208839 html this time

It could be the chatroom counter. If it's going to be an issue going forward maybe I'll just remove it.

Yes, I did just chane the default Background here to a Valentines Day theme ... Not too crazy about it.

It will be gone by tomorrow

Bill

That looks like your previous post #

Got to love technology, I liked it better when I had to deal with punch cards in school.

It was also effecting the java test page on Java.com and they did not have any information on the changing of the security levels on their tip page to get it to run clean.

Well, tonight ECN is doing just fine. May the gremlins be gone!

This morning everything is running A OK around here.

Thank you Mike! And thank you everyone for your patience. Electrecians are not known for their patiences and rumor has it, there's a few fellow sparktarians around here

At our webmasters suggestion, I changed my java settings back to the high (recommended) default setting this morning and things are working with that one as well.

Thanks for the confirmation. I did disable the chatroom counter, at least for the time being, so it woudn't drive anyone away.

Maybe a future java update will lower the default security settings back to where they were.

Bill

BTW, now that we don't have to worry about slowing things down as much, I changed a setting to show all our smilies by default when making a reply.

Should we add more?

Bill

I didn't know we had this many!!

The forum's running 100x better on my end, I'm using Chrome on Windows Vista, 7, Mac OS X 10.5 and an iPhone.

Here's a couple new Smilies to add to our collection ....




Bill

FredFerguson:

A hearty "WELCOME" to ECN from one of the 'Jersey Guys' to another 'Jersey Guy' joining in!!

Jump into the fray anytime!! Post a question, post a comment, post a pic, whatever.

New Host says server might go offline tonight for a few minutes for scheduled maintenance. Shouldn't be long.

Bill

Fred,

I second the HELLO from another "Jersey guy". Clark NJ is where I had to go to get my license "way back when". It was in a small catholic school if I can remember right. There were over 300 guys taking the test that day. I think at least 30 got there license that day.

Bill,


HOLY SMOKES! Batman, what did you do to this website. It is running like greased lightning today. Wow!

Harold,

We're in a new home since last weekend!

Still getting settled in, and making adjustments, but very happy with the faster access.


Bill

Bill,

Great job. I have been very busy at work around here. There are several large PV systems going in, a new nursing home, several new homes, and lots and lots of GENERATORS!