Release notes for Tetra-WebBBS 6.10

Tetra WebBBS Documentation

Installation

For detailed instructions on setup of Tetra WebBBS from scratch or on upgrading older implementations of Darryl Burgdorf's WebBBS please read the appropriate sections of the setup guide.

New Features since version 6.0x

New entry scripts
Entry scripts for public and admin access to the boards have been revised to allow for simplified future maintenance.
For smooth upgrades from prior versions the old entry scripts delivered with 5.3x and 6.0x still work with the current release of 6.10.
However, to stay future proof you should upgrade your entry scripts once you've got 6.10 running on your site and before 6.20 will be released. This should allow everybody to do the upgrades when time permits.

Optional entry scripts for moderators
Some larger sites with multiple boards are in need for moderators helping the site owner administrate the forums. These moderators are sometimes less familiar with the scripts and some administrative features may be beyond their understanding. For example configuring the filters, backup/restore/rebuild of databases and such things. Version 6.10 comes with a new variable, $ModeratorRun, which will cause the Admin Portal to show less sections and display only the forum specific listing and the new/updated profiles. The other sections won't display.
For more details please lookup $ModeratorRun on variables board.

TetraBB PRO ready
Tetra-WebBBS 6.10 is prepared to run a new version of TetraBB PRO (0.20) to extend it's features. Those interested may read details on PRO features.

Compressed message index listing
Despite it's flexible viewing styles the message index listing always lacked a table-like compressed display format. Such a thing is now available and configurable as a subtype of the "Compressed List" type. A new variable is used to let admins define how the compressed message index will look. Of course the old classic style is still available.
For details please lookup $CompressedList on variables board.
To see an example please take a look at the message index page of support board and set your preferences to "Compressed List" and "Guestbook Style".

Search Engine Optimization
Tetra-WebBBS 6.10 comes with a new set of configuration variables for SEO purpose and to keep control of content indexed by searchengines. For more details start reading the article "Search engines and Tetra-WebBBS".

CSS
New 'odd/even' classes on message index listing might be used to visually separate threads. To see an example please take a look at the message index page of support board.

Accesscontrol and user privacy
New variables are available to improve access control and user privacy.
$force_domain, $DisplayProfiles, $EditedProfilesModerated.
Details about the new options available on variables board.

Banned email addresses
A new filter to disallow the usage of certain email addresses whenever that email address would be used for outbound mail.
E.g.: It's possible to ban freemail providers to block users from registering profiles via those providers. Of course the filter as well won't accept banned emails for other procedures producing outbound email such as "email me when a reply is posted" or "tell-a-friend".
The main purpose of this filter is to avoid any outbound email for destinations which are known for either not accepting emails from the forums or for destinations which are considered unwanted, for whatever reason.

Custom HTML improved, including new "Adspacers" and "Social Bookmarks"
Some additional variables are available now for embedding site specific custom HTML into the forum pages.
This includes configurable "Adspacers" for the message index page and configurable "Social Bookmarks" to be displayed on message display pages.
To see the adspacers in action please take a look at the message index page of support board.

Quickinfo calls enhanced
New options are available to control quickinfo calls as an attempt to widen their usage.
It's now possible to display the "NEW" telltale not only as an indicator for the entire board but for individual items in quickinfo calls as well. Both "new" attributes (board vs. single message) can be controlled by separate parameters.
A new 'category' attribute is available for quickinfo calls to determine which sort of posts should be listed: 'all', 'topics' or 'responses'.
Might be worth reading more about "Quickinfo".

Changes And Fixes

Changes under the hood, esp. regarding unwanted posts and handling of incoming requests via third-party links.
Fixed some CSS for buggy IE6 which unfortunately is still frequently used.
Fixed a bug which sometimes screwed up threads when a post was edited via admin script.
Added a couple of icons to /webbbs/icons folder.
Send statuscode 404 (Not Found) if a message is not available any more on a board where no subsequent archive exists (or on the oldest archive if redirects have been performed before). This helps searchengines to keep track of deleted posts.
Links on stats pages fixed for 'most viewed topics' if $TopNPosters is set to a value greaten than '10'.
Function setting the focus (cursor position) on loading post forms pages is revised and improved.
Improved and simplified handling/maintenance of messages deleted by posters:
- linked on admin scripts to allow admin access to the post, for example to delete it.
- on compressed index not displayed if no responses exist, otherwise linked to the thread
- unchanged on public threaded listing

Leftovers

License revised
The license for Tetra-WebBBS and TetraBB PRO has been consolidated into the new TetraBB License. Nothing spectacular but only all those items well-known from almost every software license.
One change though:
Registration is required now for each domain where the software is running.
Tetra-WebBBS will stay a free product - no charge for registration or download.
TetraBB PRO extension will be available only on request and for a reasonable fee including install service.

Expiration of cookie time limit extended
With version 6.10 validity of cookies is extended to 31 Dec 2020.
All older versions set expiration date to the end of 2010. Thus all cookie based features will stop working in older versions on New Year's Day 2011. A good reason for upgrading and enough time left to accomplish the upgrade.