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I would like to update everyone regarding the system issues that appeared to crop up over this last weekend and the steps we have taken to remedy those issues to the extent that we have been able. First, let me put this rubric to bed; the system issues WERE NOT caused by the addition or modification to the forums software. Some people like to harp about us adding functions and having things "break" when we do. That is not the case and in fact, we have not added new functionality in quite some time. If anything, we are guilty of removing TOO many functions. We noticed issues started to crop up on the morning of June 27th; that's last Thursday, and it started just before 10:00 a.m. We noticed a barrage of hits from the Verizon system and they numbered thousands over a very short period. We have reported that activity to Verizon and have requested they let us know the result. We'll see if any of that happens. The next thing we noticed was that there was a hundred plus attempts to crack into our Admin Control System. The crack attempts came from an IP that showed the attempts were originating in the Netherlands. We took a step that we had postponing doing simply because of the effort necessary to accomplish it; we "hid" the control system. We have software that can sit in front of the forum software and repel DDOS attacks when we recognize them. We brought that online over the weekend as we continued to get hit. The downside to this action is that it has an impact on all users logging in from anywhere in the world. The major consequence is system slow down for everyone, but certainly faster than what was existing during the DDOS itself. We started looking at modules as well to determine the impact they have been having and the possibility that something broke. We did a complete removal of all but the most fundamentally important modules, and what you see today in the forums is the result. We may bring some of those back online once the system stabilizes. One of the other things we did is shut off access to all of the forum structure by GUESTS; that is, people who have not registered. We did that to lighten the load on the system as well and to give us an opportunity to measure the positive or negative aspects of that move. As of an hour ago, we have flipped the switch and have let guests back into the forums. However, over the next couple of days, we are going to be removing access by guests to certain forums to maintain a fair balance and sustained performance for our registered members. So, as I write this, where are we? We have re-installed TapaTalk for all of the 30 or so users that access our forums daily using it. If it proves to be problematic again, we will permanently remove it and never re-install it. We have removed various modules as indicated above and we will selectively bring back online some of those depending upon performance impact by them. We have a system now in place that looks for and prevents proxy server access, access from unidentified locations and so on. Performance today is very good. We are not seeing the slow downs that we have seen over the last couple of days, and we are keeping an eye on accesses and locations. Okay, so that is where we stand at the moment.

check out the link below http://787updates.newairplane.com/ just doing my bit!!!

We are pleased to announce that today we have launched out OPT-IN AVSIM Store Newsletter. The Newsletter will be used to provide subscribers of the newsletter updates regarding the store. Things like discounts, bundles, special incentive programs, new products and the like will be included in the content. We encourage you to opt in and sign up for the newsletter today. You can do that by clicking on the link at the top right hand corner of the forum sidebar, or you can go to your User Control Panel, click on Settings, then Newsetters:

Name: Hi-Jacking of Northwest Airlines 727 Anniversary Mystery Category: FSX Aircraft Date Added: 24 November 2013 - 08:08 AM Submitter: Jetranger Short Description: Northwest Airlines Hi-Jacked DBCooper A Northwest Airlines Boeing 727 has been Hi-Jacked. The Hi-Jacker demanding 0,000 dollars and 4 parachutes. Suspect identified as a DB Cooper ! Suspect jumped out the back of a Moving 727 Jetliner, with the money and the parachutes , supposedly never to be seen or heard from again. The Year was , November 24th 1971 Enjoy the Video ! Sincerely, DBC View Video

WELCOME EVERYONE! First and foremost I want to apologize if this is lengthy, but hey it's some cool stuff! We realize there are a ton of informational sites out there in the sim world, and each and every one of them offers great and amazing work, we're not here to replace any of that at all! We believe, as the 'Murican's do, a competitive market is a healthy market, and if we can all bring worthiness to the table, then we say why not! Our objectives differ in some ways from others and are similar as well, we'll be keeping you up to date with news without any extra necessary spam, just come check us out here on our Fan Page or our website! We want to explain a few features were in development with: Knowledge base information or FAQ questions; simply type what you're looking for, and our mini Google search will do its best to get you going. E.g search "EZDOK" and all help files and configs will be ready available in your search results. We are fine tuning this at the moment. Were also working on a calendar style "Fly-With-Me" page, where you all may sign up and view each other's flight times, making it easier to group flight or make group flights eventful--we will try to have ACARS programs that are already functioning work with this schedule feature (somehow)... Look forward to a lot of giveaways as we're going to be working closely with some sponsors and markets we have been talking with over the course of this year. Keep in mind our current available site is VERY beta, but we decided to launch it knowing full well you guys would help with shedding a light on a few bugs out there. We appreciate your visits and we hope to make your flight simming experiences just plain awesome smile emoticon If you haven't registered yet, go ahead and do so. All members are entitled to giveaways such as ASN, GSX and lots more products. Not just that, members are entitled to discounts to certain FSX/P3D/Xplane addons. The first one being this week. We hope to see you there. Thanks all! -FlightSim Central

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