ESSEX-ROOTS-L Archives

Archiver > ESSEX-ROOTS > 1998-09 > 0904748898


From: Sandi Goetze <>
Subject: IMPORTANT NOTICE - GenConnect Upgrade
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1998 15:08:18 +0000


MESSAGE FROM ROOTSWEB:

We're preparing for the latest upgrade to the GenConnect System.
There's a few things you need to know about this upgrade .....

The entire GenConnect system will be upgraded starting at midnight on
Saturday September 5, 1998. This will require that we shut the system
down. The reason is twofold ..... it's not just a patch .... it's a
re-write of the program that runs the system. Also, the Global Search
engine has been revamped and mega-enhanced, which will require a total
rebuild. No new postings can be allowed during this rebuilding period.
Downtime is estimated to be 8 hours max (yep .... it's a huge system now!).

Anyone attempting to use the system during this downtime will be given
notice that it's being upgraded .... no-one will be left in the dark.
However, you could help us make this a smoother transition if you would
spread the word on any and all of the major mailing lists that you may be
subbed to (ROOTS-l, xxROOTS-L, your county lists, surname lists, etc.).
Will you help us by doing this?

Below are some of the new features that the latest version (1.10) will
contain. Please feel free to include those items listed as 'Visitor Toys'
in any announcement you make.

This is the most exciting version of genbbs yet, and we're thrilled to be
bringing it into production.

I encourage anyone with questions about the conversion to sub to the
GenConnect-L list, if you're not already. Simply send an email to
with the word subscribe in
both the subject and as the only word in the body. Turn off all signature
files, please.

Once again ..... the upgrade will begin at midnight on Saturday, Sep 5, and
should take no more than 8 hours. Please help us announce this. There
will be no official notice once the conversion is completed. The new
version will be in effect for all to see, and will serve as notice.

This is just the latest improvement, and we've all anxiously awaited this
moment.

Happy Hunting!!!!

The GenConnect Team ..... Randy, Pam and Nancy

List of new GenConnect Features:

Visitor Toys:
-------------------
Separate entry fields for subject and surnames ..... allows more
descriptive subjects (non-surname words won't matter)

Main page of each board displays the list of surnames for each query, in
addition to the subject .... allows for more surnames to be entered

'Print' option now expanded to include the entire thread (user's option)

Surname page will be auto-generated, and auto-updated weekly (more
frequently with admin intervention), and will now be alphabetized and
hotlinked to the query in which it appears.

Cookie support expanded to include "date ranges".

Faster, sleeker search engine.

Multiple-word surnames supported - including the capability of searching
for them.

New search options added to the Global Search ..... soundex (enhanced over
previous version), partial word match, whole word match, wildcard searching.

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