Raptor Support

I've been off to a very busy start for 2010, and have just released new bugfixes for the EZ* range of software products, some new modules and a new Support FAQ's.

EZ Realty 5.4.6 has had a range of bugs fixed - including the bookmark link, an intermittent bug with the CSV import function, mapping resolution on the full details page template and profile details output, as well as some updates to a couple of frontend style classes.  I also added in some new redirects - which have now replaced the 403 no access redirects that have caused some confusion with users.  There have also been some tweaks to the following modules:- featured listing, featured agent, latest sellers, multi-featured properties, new listings, random listings and menu links.

EZ Autos 5.4.4 has also had a similar range of bugs fixed - including the bookmark link, an intermittent bug with the CSV import function, mapping resolution on the full details page template and profile details output, a bug with the sms display on the full details page output, as well as some updates to a couple of frontend style classes to improve layouts in some circumstances.  I also added in some new redirects - which have now replaced the 403 no access redirects that have caused some confusion with users.  There have also been some tweaks to the following modules:- featured listing, featured dealer, latest sellers, multi-featured listings, new listings, random listings and menu links.

EZ Rider 3.3.3 has also had a similar range of bugs fixed this time around - including the bookmark link, an intermittent bug with the CSV import function, as well as some updates to a couple of frontend style classes to improve layouts in some circumstances.  New in EZ Rider is a mapping resolution setting for the full details page and profile details page - so you'll be able to control the initial level of zoom shown on a map.  I also added in some new redirects - which have now replaced the 403 no access redirects that have caused some confusion with users.  Also in this release are some tweaks to the following modules:- featured listing, featured dealer, latest sellers, multi-featured listings, new listings, random listings and menu links.

Customers will also be happy to know that EZ Realty, EZ Autos and EZ Rider all have a new fading slideshow module which has numerous configurable options - and some nice overlay effects for screen descriptions.  As usual - customers can log into their accounts for the latest download packages so they can upgrade their sites when they have the time.

I've also been writing a new Support FAQ's document this year - to streamline the support process.  Customers will be able to download the new Support FAQ's from their customer accounts and from the support site - and it'll be your first point of reference if you encounter a problem or have a question.  The FAQ's contains information on common error messages and how to solve them, common problems, basic customisation issues and more.  It's a very comprehensive document - and as with all documents - I'll continue to add to it as I encounter new and interesting support issues.  Customers will still have access to the support site services - so don't panic.  The new Support FAQ's is simply a consolidated reference resource to get you going quickly.

If you've got migration from Joomla 1.0x to Joomla 1.5x on your mind - and you've been wondering how to get your EZ* data migrated - Eric LaVigne has sent in some nice little migration tools for EZ Realty and EZ Autos - and will be sending in one for EZ Rider next.  Thank you Eric!!  These tools are now available in the support site downloads area, so download them, unzip the package and have a read of the README file for installation instructions.

It has been a busy day today, with a full round of bug-fix releases for EZ Realty, EZ Autos and EZ Rider.

EZ Realty 5.4.5 is a small change which has swapped out Letterman integration for ccNewsletter integration for Joomla 1.5x native users.

EZ Autos 5.4.3 has had a bug with the vehicle condition selector lists in the admin area and frontend area add/edit listing form fixed, Letterman integration has been swapped out for ccNewsletter integration for Joomla 1.5x native users, and the vehicle makes module has had the database queries updated to ensure a correct vehicle count is displayed based on the type of expiry management system being used.

EZ Rider 3.3.2 has had a bug with the admin area branding corrected for brand free license holders, a magic quotes bug with the category descriptions in the admin area has been fixed to strip out backslashes from descriptions, Letterman integration has been swapped out for ccNewsletter integration for Joomla 1.5x native users, and the vehicle makes module has had the database queries updated to ensure correct motorcycle counts are displayed based on the type of expiry management system being used.

Customers can download the latest packages from their customer accounts at http://www.raptorservices.com/customers/ as usual, and there are bug-fix packages, upgrade packages and new installation packages available in each of the distribution packages.  Upgrade instructions are as per usual, and you can refresh your memory on what these are by having a read of the user guide.  Remember to always be safe when doing an upgrade.  Don't do it while you're tired, rushed, annoyed or otherwise distracted.  Make a full database backup - including table structure and full data inserts before beginning the upgrade work, and make a full backup of your site files too before beginning.  These simple precautions will save you much grief if you make a major mistake with the upgrade procedure.  Sites can be quickly and easily restored from backups - so this is a good habit to get into prior to any upgrade to your site :-)