Summary...

Account information may have been downloaded, so if you are using the same or similar password on other sites that you have used here, then PLEASE go change those passwords IMMEDIATELY. My apologies on any inconvenience this may cause. Steps have been taken to strengthen the security and integrity of the server this site is hosted on as well as this site itself. This site has also been tested to ensure it is clean and as I learn new information, I am using it to check for any other security holes to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. While it is not certain if any information was actually downloaded, the fact remains that it could have happened and I felt it important to make all members aware of the situation. Also, if you have any friends who are members of this site, please make sure that they are also aware of the situation in case they did not see this message.

More detailed description...

Recently, many sites were affected by a vulnerability that allowed hackers to compromise the integrity of its files and data. This unfortunately includes the sites that I run as well, thus the reason for this message. The database was found to have a couple of lines of extra code added to it and while that code has been removed, however the fact that the database was compromised means that members account information may have also been accessed. The software that I have been using does not store the passwords in plaintext, meaning that the password itself is not stored. Instead, it is run through a one-way mathematical algorithm to generate what is known as a password 'hash'. What this means, in plain wording, is that the password is replaced with a value that will only be reached when that same password is used again, but there is no way to reverse the process. This is why anyone who has ever forgotten their password cannot have their password sent to them and must instead reset their password completely. In short, the company making the software I use takes security very seriously.

Unfortunately, with access to the database and therefore the possibility that members data has been downloaded, it is possible for hackers to use 'brute force' methods to attempt to determine what passwords were being used. What this means is that with the hash values, they can run a program that will go through every possible password from one character long to 20 or more characters in length and eventually come across the correct combination. As such and as a precaution, I am encouraging EVERYONE to please change their passwords on other sites if they happened to be using the same or similar password on this site.

I have already forced a reset on everyone's password here, so the next time anyone attempts to sign into this community, they will need to reset their password first. While this may seem like a pointless effort now, it's actually a smart idea. Assuming that a hacker did indeed grab the data necessary to find out peoples passwords, they will not be able to gain access to any accounts here. It also forces everyone to change their password, so anyone who hasn't forgotten their password will end up being forced to change it anyway.

In closing...

As I said before, it is not known for certain if any information was actually downloaded. That doesn't mean that this warning to change your account password should be ignored. Only that even if it hasn't been downloaded, it's still a good idea to go ahead and update your information so you know that YOU are the one accessing your account and not someone else. If you are a member of other communities that have forums, they too may have been compromised and you should consider changing your password on those other sites as well. If you are friends with an admin of another community that has forums and they have any questions, they may contact me for more details.

First, there are a couple of new skins (templates, views, etc) to use. One should already be visible to everyone, it's the GeoTech skin. If you want to see if you're using it or want to take a look at it if you're not, then scroll all the way to the bottom of any page and on the left you'll see a drop down menu where you can choose from a variety of names. GeoTech is a new skin that was released just a few days ago and is rather stylish. The other new skin, which may be considered rather 'girly' looking, is called SuperStar. So for those of you who want a choice, you have one. Be sure to check them both out!

For you Windows users, ever been frustrated with the way Windows works (or rather, doesn't work)? I've started a new area named "Windows Tips & Tricks", where useful tidbits of information can be submitted. I'll admit, I made it mostly as a reference area for my own needs, so that as I make changes I will always have a place to go so I can easily find the information again, but anyone can use it to try to enhance their Windows experience.

The forum is here and the articles are located here.

I've tried to set it up so that anyone can submit an article, so if you can't find the option to submit a new article or if you try and it says you don't have permission to do it, then please let me know. Please only submit things that are related to Windows itself and not specific software. If your tip or trick can be used on various versions of Windows (for example, not specific to just XP), then use the Generic category.

I look forward to seeing some new additions to see what solutions people have for their Windows frustrations.

The coupon code is Dec2010 and will work for all regular hooks*.

^{* Regular hooks do not include source code purchases.}

Just add one or more of the following items your cart and then during checkout, apply this coupon code to receive 30% off of those items: OCT30

Sale is valid until Sunday, Oct 10th, 2010.

Qualifying products:

• Restricted Reply Function
  Limit access on who can reply to topics created by others in selected forums.
  See store item
   
   
   
  
• Hide Posts
  A dual function hook. Includes 'Hide Posts From Members' and 'Post to View'. With 'Hide Posts From Members', you can require the reader to be part of certain groups in order to read the contents. The 'Post to View' function allows you to require members to reply to a topic before seeing what others have said.
  See store item
   
   
   
  
• Newest Members in Sidebar
  Shows a sidebar hook with the most recent members to join the site.
  See store item
   
   
   
  
• Random Event in Today's History
  Picks a random event from history based on the current date and displays it.
  See store item
  

Don't forget, when you purchase the items, to get the discount you must apply coupon OCT30.

Coupon is limited to one order per customer.

FaceBook

http://facebook.com/pages/NRaged/ (NRaged page)

http://facebook.com/NRaged/ (Owner account)

Twitter

If you have a FaceBook or Twitter account, you can link it with your account here at N*Raged! All you have to do is go to your settings, click on the profile tab and then manage your FaceBook (or Twitter) connection.

To make it easier, you can just click here: Manage FaceBook Connect or Manage Twitter Connect

The benefits of connecting your accounts together include being able to sign in to this site when you're already signed into FaceBook or Twitter, ability to update your status from here, use your FB/Twitter personalization here, "Like" topics and a few other goodies.

For people who are NOT already members of N*Raged, you can click on the little 'f' at the top right of this page (it's the FaceBook icon) and it will help you to join this community with a couple of clicks. Once you're signed in, you'll be considered a full member of this site without any probationary period.

If you don't have a FaceBook account but have a Twitter account, then you can sign in using your Twitter account, just use the Twitter icon at the top right of this page.

So be sure to connect your accounts today to enjoy the added benefits and while at it, invite your friends to join too!

In addition to this great news, I have been adding more games for people to play. Be sure to check it out and see if you can beat some of the top scores.

Only reason I'm installing this version and opening it up is because it's long overdue (an arcade system) and thanks to a couple of developers, they have made it possible when originally they weren't making it as a replacement but just a temporary fill-in.

I had some fun already. Enjoy.

If you encounter any problems, please report them in the Entertainment category of the N*Site section. If it's something that I've done wrong, then I can fix it otherwise I'll redirect it to the developers to handle.

Member Maps lets you put down your location in the world so that others can see where you are at! You can put down either your full address (which I personally would NOT recommend doing), zipcode, city, etc. It makes use of Google's services so you know it's accurate, friendly and easy to look at. It's currently in "beta" status, so there may be a few bugs found at first as well as features that can stand to be added.

If anyone wants to take a look at where I'm hiding at, just go take a look on the map!

This post has been promoted to an article

By Richard Gray, Science Correspondent

Published: 8:00AM BST 12 Jul 2009

Scientists have discovered that uttering swear words can help to lessen the feeling of physical pain. It might be socially unacceptable, but an outburst of swearing after a DIY mishap or stubbing a toe can actually do some good. The study by researchers at Keele University found that volunteers were able to withstand pain for longer when they swore compared to when they used words which were not offensive. Dr Richard Stephens, who conducted the study at the university's school of psychology, believes it may explain why swearing is still common place in languages around the world. He suggests that swearing could have evolved as a way of raising aggression levels and reducing the feeling of pain to allow our ancestors to flee or fight back when attacked by predators.

He said: "We think it could be part of the flight or fight response. In the volunteers who swore, we also found they had an elevated heart rate, so it could be increasing their aggression levels. Increased aggression has been shown to reduce people's sensitivity to pain, so it could be swearing is helping this process." The researchers, whose findings are published in the journal NeuroReport, tested 64 students' tolerance to pain by asking them to submerge their hand in a tub of ice water for as long as they could while repeating a series of swear words of their choice. They were then asked to carry out the task again while repeating non-offensive words they would use to describe a table. One subject, however, had to be excluded from the trial because they could not suggest any swear words.

They found that volunteers who swore were able to keep their hands submerged in the water for an average of 40 seconds longer. When questioned about their perceived pain they also rated it as being lower. The researchers also measured the volunteers' heart rate and found that it increased while swearing. Dr Stephens said that the result was the opposite of what they had expected as most psychologists suggest that swearing is a symptom of "catastrophism", where there the drama-queen inside everyone takes over. He said: "Swearing is quite an emotional form of language and it is an almost universal human linguistic phenomenon. When my wife was in labour with our daughter she felt the need to f and blind at one point, but was very apologetic afterwards. The midwife said they were used to that kind of language on the delivery ward, so it got me thinking. Our research shows one potential reason why swearing has developed and why is persists."

You are probably wondering, "What is N*Raged?"

Wondering what the cost is?

What about the rules?

There is also a site feedback forum, so if there is an area of ranting that you feel isn't being addressed or that deserves its own special area, let me know. If you have other issues/concerns, lemme know!

Most importantly though, enjoy your visit here!

P.S.

The site is still new (look at when this post was made), so be kind and give it a chance!

• When you are viewing a topic...

• You can now print/download a copy of your conversations.

• N*Chat is here! Currently, it is limited to a maximum of 5 members chatting at a given time, but that should be enough, especially if it's used as a means of providing site support.

• N*Site - this is the old N*Support just renamed. It's for reporting issues with the site (such as one of the features not working properly). Not really a new goody, but an important mention for the next item...

• N*Support - this is the new N*Support just installed. It's for reporting private issues that are not site malfunctions. Can be used for just about anything where a matter needs to be addressed privately.

As I said, a few goodies added. Please also check out the other features such as N*Blogs, N*Gallery and N*Files! Also, I have added a few links in the N*Links area. Mostly links to software to protect your computer from harm but there are more links to come.

As for the other features that have been here at N*Raged...

N*Arcade Update is in the works, looking for September as the earliest possible release.

N*Bucks Should be coming soon. Have to test a system that has been released. AVAILABLE NOW!

N*Casino Same as the arcade, expecting it to be September or later.

N*Groups Unfortunately this may be at the end of the year. If you need access to any of the groups forums before it's available, please contact me.

N*Pages Doubt this will be returning. Will provide an update when I know more.

N*Photohost There is an application that does the same thing, will have to test it out first.

N*Shout Will be returning very shortly, however all previous shouts may be lost. AVAILABLE NOW!

N*Wiki Unknown at this time.

N*Support New system will be in place, may lose all previous data though. AVAILABLE NOW!

and

Contact Us This will be dependent on another application that is currently in the works.

** Member Assistance - Alternative to Contact Us! AVAILABLE NOW! **

Added features:

N*Blogs - Now you can blog your thoughts, opinions, etc for just yourself, your friends or for the world to see!

N*Files - Have a file you want to share? Could be some music you made, useful program (freeware/shareware only please), etc. Now you can share it with everyone!

N*Gallery - Simply put, a place to upload pictures. People can comment, rate and even share pictures.

N*Links - Know of a site that you want to share with others in a place that's easy to find? Here ya go! As more links get added, I will create additional categories to make it easier to keep organized. People can rate and comment on the links.

Here are some of the changes that I hope the members here at N*Raged will enjoy:

• New 'skin' - The overall appearance of the board has taken on a huge change. On the main index, on the right, you'll notice a small column that will contain items like recent topics. There will be an "X" at the top of it that you can click and it'll minimize this column, giving you the more traditional view. But you can easily restore it by clicking a small arrow that will appear in the place of the "X".
  
• Private Messages (PM's) - The traditional method of PM's is basically a thing of the past. Now, there are "Conversations"! To give an idea of what it's like, think of it as having a private thread between you and one other person.. EXCEPT that you can add other people to the conversation as well! This is a per conversation thing too. So you could have a private conversation with 3 people, then have another private conversation going on with 3 other people. When you want to view the past messages, you only need read the conversation. No need to read individual PM's to find something that was said because it's all part of the same conversation.
  
• Member Cards - Almost anywhere that you see a members name (forum generated), you should also see a small green box next to their name. If you click on that little green box, you see a small "business card" like pop up for that member. From there you can select to send them a PM (ie, start a conversation) or find other posts that they have made.
  
• Reputation system - I may disable this for individual ratings, but I may just enable it for posts. Yes, for posts. You can vote a post with a [+] if you like it, find it useful or whatever else. If I enable it (I'm really thinking about it), then it'll be in the lower right hand corner of each post.
  
• FaceBook Connect - I may or may not enable this. I have reasons for being undecided on this but if enabled, then it would let you sign into the board using your FaceBook connection. Basically, if you're signed into FaceBook and you come here, it can sign you in automatically! There will be more about this later if I decide to enable it but it would basically link your FaceBook account here. No personal information (such as password) would be exchanged or saved.
  
• Use your cellphone! - Yes, the new update has a skin that should be used automatically when you visit the board and it detects that you are on a cell phone. It will allow you to use many of the sites features, including making new posts!
  
• Global Searching - When you do a search, the search will not only work on topics/posts, but also search Members, Blogs, Galleries and other places in a single effort to find what you are looking for!
  
• Blog, Downloads and Gallery - These are three Add-ons that I may add here. I have a license for the Blog and Gallery that I am using on another site but may shift them over here. I do plan to get a license for the Downloads Add-on and put that on here at some point. One of the main factors in when/if I get these items is based on financial ability. These things cost money, people!
  Blog - Allow members to have their own little personal space to rattle on about things. It includes the ability to have private blogs so that you can choose who (if anyone) can see your blog. If you prefer, it could be completely private (except for certain staff), so it'd be like an online diary of sorts. Keep in mind that in some cases, staff may want or even need to browse a private Blog, but those staff will be expected to respect the privacy by not discussing it with anyone (except possibly other staff). This includes not discussing it with an individual member, unless there is content of concern.
  Downloads - One of the main things I plan to do is to have some essential tools available for download. These would be free tools for use in cleaning away some problems from a computer (SpyWare, etc). Other categories will be made available so that N*Raged members can contribute their own files as well.
  Gallery - A place for sharing your photos! Of course, sharing photos can be fun so why not?
  
• Other Add-Ons - These other Add-ons are still being worked on but are free, so when they are released as a Final version, I'll be adding them too.
  Links - A place for submitting useful or fun sites to visit. There will be levels of access associated with this, both to prevent spamming/abuse, and to reward membership activity.
  Shoutbox - When added, if there is any way to keep the old shouts, I'll do so. But that may not be possible as this is a different Add-on than the one already being used for N*Shout.
  Tracker - The N*Tracker will be getting an update as well. Again, the old projects and issues may be lost.
  
• Additional Add-Ons - The new board software has taken a big step in trying to make it really easy to add new features to the board. So I may be able to add more features with ease, instead of being picky about what to add based on level of effort required. I expect that if the Arcade and Casino features are not available when I upgrade the board, that they will be available very soon. The N*Groups will be unavailable for awhile, as that Add-on (or application as they are being called) is or will be in development for awhile. If there is anything of importance that someone needs from those forums, please let me know and I'll look into making it available. At this time though, I will be making it possible to see the forums, but not the contents. This is to help keep attention to it instead of it being forgotten about.
  
• Converge - Okay simply put, converge takes your log-in information and makes it available for use in other places. It's like a central "hub" that keeps track of your log-in name, email and password so that when you visit another site (or part of this site) that is connected to this "hub", you can sign in without having to make a new account. If your details here are available for use on other sites, you can rest assured that I have access and control on those other sites. For the time being though, if I make use of this feature, these other "sites" will be a direct part of N*Raged. At this time, there are only a couple of products that I could include, but will require much further testing before I include them (if at all).
  Joomla - Basically a CMS (Content Management System)
  WordPress - Sort of like an advanced Blog package.
  
• YouTube and other media - You can submit a YouTube link in a Media insert box and the board will try to embed it properly within the post. If you simply put the link for the video, it won't work. But if you include it in the media tags, then it will try to add it in for you. This includes sites other than YouTube as well.
  
• Quoting - Up to three levels deep, quotes will have different colors, so that quotes within quotes will be easier to read and follow.
  
• PM Notification - If you have an unopened PM, then in the top right, where your user box is, you'll see a number within a circle. It sort of stands out so it can grab your attention, while not being distracting from something else you may be working on. It's much more noticeable than previous methods and I like it, I'm sure everyone else will as well.
  
• Admin/Mod functions - there are new/updated features that will make it easier for staff to perform certain tasks. This is sort of a "behind the scenes" stuff, so I won't waste time detailing them here.
  
• Other little tidbits that I've either forgotten to mention or may be trivial but still nice.
  

As this update was just released today, I will be holding off for a few days or until an expected minor update has been released. I do this on purpose to avoid potential problems that have not yet been fixed in the software that could create major headaches for N*Raged members and staff. I will be doing some testing of the software elsewhere, to learn about the new features and as an effort to try to provide more 'gifts' for the members here.

Please use this topic for any questions you may have or if you just simply want to speculate about the new software before it's introduced here.

First, made a slight change to the site configuration, so please notify me of any problems. The main problem that should be encountered, if any, would be something not loading or some kind of an error that something can't be found. If that's the case use the N*Tracker to report it so that I can attend to it. If for some reason that won't work, then reply here describing the problem you had using the N*Tracker and the other problem you encountered.

For those curious about the change made, I simply changed the file/folder structure of where the website goes to. If this doesn't make any sense to you, don't worry about it. If you understand it then you know that how that can cause problems.

Next, I am waiting for new release of the software that I use here for these forums. It has a drastically different appearance to it but also has several new features/options added to it. Some of those options will help severely when trying to combat spambots and the like.

For anyone that would like to test out the upcoming upgrade, there is a test only forum setup. Anything done on there will be wiped out so don't do anything on there that you'll want to save. While trying it out, if you encounter any problems, like something not working correctly, then please report it in this topic:

N*Raged Testing Grounds