Donncha: WP Super Cache 0.9.9.7

WP Super Cache is a full page caching plugin for WordPress that makes your website run much faster!

I’ve just released a new version and the biggest change in this one is the addition of Content Delivery Network (CDN) support thanks to Mark Kubacki who allowed me to integrate his OSSDL CDN Off Linker plugin. (Please go visit his blog and say thank you if you use this feature!)

The CDN support simply rewrites images, CSS and Javascript files so they point at a different hostname. That hostname can be another virtual host on your own server (aka “Poor Man’s CDN”) pointing at your WordPress install or a fully fledged CDN. If your CDN supports “origin pull” then all the files on your server will be copied there as they are requested by visitors. Otherwise you’ll have to transfer the files over manually.

Apart from that, bugs have been fixed, a few features have been tweaked including the uninstall script which has been streamlined somewhat.

I also added links (on the “Easy” settngs page) to some plugins and tools you may find useful in making your site run faster.

Problems? Go to the forum and someone may already have had that problem and solved it. If not, post there and you’ll get a reply.

Related Posts

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Weblog Tools Collection: WordPress.com Retiring PressRow for Pilcrow

The WordPress.com theme team will be retiring the sorely out of date PressRow theme in favor of the new Pilcrow theme.

The new Pilcrow theme is incredibly similar in style to PressRow, but supports all WordPress 3 feature, like custom menus and featured images, and boasts six layout configurations and four color schemes.

Those of you who use Custom CSS along with the PressRow theme, may be interested in this very short list of CSS differences in Pilcrow.

PressRow will be officially phased out next week, but Pilcrow is available in the Appearance section of your WordPress.com blog’s Dashboard if you’d like to switch to it or try it out before that happens. Pilcrow will soon be available to self-hosted WordPress users via the official theme directory.

Are you a PressRow user? What do you think of the new Pilcrow theme?

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PHP 4 and MySQL 4 End of Life Announcement

Our approach with WordPress has always been to make it run on common server configurations. We want users to have flexibility when choosing a host for their precious content. Because of this strategy, WordPress runs pretty much anywhere. Web hosting platforms, however, change over time, and we occasionally are able to reevaluate some of the requirements for running WordPress. Now is one of those times. You probably guessed it from the title — we’re finally ready to announce the end of support for PHP 4 and MySQL 4!

First up, the announcement that developers really care about. WordPress 3.1, due in late 2010, will be the last version of WordPress to support PHP 4.

For WordPress 3.2, due in the first half of 2011, we will be raising the minimum required PHP version to 5.2. Why 5.2? Because that’s what the vast majority of WordPress users are using, and it offers substantial improvements over earlier PHP 5 releases. It is also the minimum PHP version that the Drupal and Joomla projects will be supporting in their next versions, both due out this year.

The numbers are now, finally, strongly in favor of this move. Only around 11 percent of WordPress installs are running on a PHP version below 5.2. Many of them are on hosts who support PHP 5.2 — users merely need to change a setting in their hosting control panel to activate it. We believe that percentage will only go down over the rest of the year as hosting providers realize that to support the newest versions of WordPress (or Drupal, or Joomla), they’re going to have to pull the trigger.

In less exciting news, we are also going to be dropping support for MySQL 4 after WordPress 3.1. Fewer than 6 percent of WordPress users are running MySQL 4. The new required MySQL version for WordPress 3.2 will be 5.0.15.

WordPress users will not be able to upgrade to WordPress 3.2 if their hosting environment does not meet these requirements (the built-in updater will prevent it). In order to determine which versions your host provides, we’ve created the Health Check plugin. You can download it manually, or use this handy plugin installation tool I whipped up. Right now, Health Check will only tell you if you’re ready for WordPress 3.2. In a future release it will provide all sorts of useful information about your server and your WordPress install, so hang on to it!

In summary: WordPress 3.1, due in late 2010, will be the last version of WordPress to support PHP 4 and MySQL 4. WordPress 3.2, due in the first half of 2011, will require PHP 5.2 or higher, and MySQL 5.0.15 or higher. Install the Health Check plugin to see if you’re ready!

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Mail gets rejected: This mail server requires authentication.

Hello,

I have a problem sending mail to 1 specific domain on my new cPanel/WHM VPS with Exim mailserver from my external hosted Exchange account. Sending mails to every other e-mail domain on my VPS works fine, only to that specific domain fails.
But when I use an non-exchange email account to send to that domain, it works perfect.

This is the info in the rejection mail:

Quote:

Bronserver: mx1.myoutlookonline.com

axel@xxx.eu
mail.xxx.eu #<mail.xxx.eu #5.0.0 smtp; 503 This mail server requires authentication when attempting to send to a non-local e-mail address. Please check your mail client settings or contact your administrator to verify that the domain or address is defined for this server.> #SMTP#


I think the Exim mailserver rejects the mail, because the sending mailserver domain (myoutlookonline.com) is not the same as my e-mail account (mydomainname.be), but in the mail logs on my server I can’t find any notice of the exchange server that connects, or that any mail gets rejected.

I tried adding the IP of mx1.myoutlookonline.com tot the Trusted SMTP IPs and to the /etc/relayhosts, and I tried disabeling some of the ACL Options, but still I get the rejection notice.

So it looks like the problem is the connection from the exchange server to my mailserver.

Anyone has an idea why the mail gets rejected?

Thank you!

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nameserver IP Setup

I have an issue with my nameservers (at least I think I do) and would like some advice:

I have a VPS. I have a domain registered at godaddy and have the host ns1 and ns2 set to two different IPs. ns1 is set to my main server Ip and ns2 is set to another open IP on my server. I have A records set to these IPs on this domain as well. When I ping ns1.mydomain.net and ns2.mydomain.net they both return the main server IP.

I have sites hosted that are reporting occassional page load issues with "server not found" error. I’m thinking it could be because of a nameserver setup issue.

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Apache Status From WHM

I don’t think I seen this before from the virtual host but in WHM > Server Status > Apache status > I see a page full of this.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/10/42232474.png
What exactly are all these ?

Sorry for the nooby question and thanks in advance.

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Security token failure & not found error

The CMS i’m using requires I open index.html in a web browser, I can do that but on the page that opens it gives me a login field and above that an error saying security token failure. Logging in gives me an error saying:

Code:

Not Found<br />
<br />
The server was not able to find the document (./public_html/gpEasy/data/index.html/) you requested.<br />
Please check the url and try again. You might also want to report this <br />
error to your web hosting provider.<br />
<br />
cpaneld/11.26 Server at 188.72.250.141

What can I do about that?

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Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Smashing-magazine-advertisement in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010Spacer in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010
 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010  in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010  in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Desktop wallpapers can serve as an excellent source of inspiration. However, if you use a specific wallpaper for a longer period of time, it becomes harder to draw inspiration out of it. That’s why we have decided to supply you with smashing wallpapers for over 12 months. To make them a little more distinctive than the usual crowd, we’ve decided to embed calendars for the upcoming month. So if you happen to be searching for a specific day of the month, isn’t it better to show off a nice wallpaper with a nice calendar instead of launching some default time application?

This post features 50 free desktop wallpapers, created by designers across the globe for November 2010. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded for free.

Please notice:

  • all images can be clicked on and lead to the preview of the wallpaper;
  • you can feature your work in our magazine by taking part in our desktop wallpaper calendar series. We are regularly looking for creative designers and artists to be featured on Smashing Magazine. Are you one of them?

So what wallpapers have we received for November 2010?

Update (02.11.2010): You can also download the Windows 7 Wallpapers Pack with all wallpapers featured in this post.

Rose Petal

"Don’t underestimate the true beauty of a single dried rose petal…." Designed by Thuy Truong.

Rose Petal 44 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Infinite Space

"Infinite Space… Inspired by the infinite beauty of our universe" Designed by Natanael Fernandez from Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

Infinite Space 85 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Flying

"I’d like to fly away to warm countries for winter." Designed by Marta Miazek from Poland.

Flying 90 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Pink Morning

"Some watercolor, inspiration and good mood!" Designed by Oxana Kostromina from Poland/Russia.

Pink Morning 45 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

UX cake

Designed by WitFlow from Poland.

Ux Cake 69 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Symbian World

"Scene from Symbian World." Designed by Anna Alfut from UK.

Symbian World 23 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Favourite Pair

Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

Favourite Pair 78 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Fall into Place

"Photos from a damp, autumn day." Designed by Laurice Solomon from Canada.

Fall Into Place 2 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Enjoy the creative process

"November will surely be rainy for most of us. Hopefully you’ll remember to take a glimpse through the window, at least a virtual one. This wallpaper also features great free font called Franchise." Designed by Lucijan Blagonic from Croatia.

Enjoy The Creative Process 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Thanks For Giving

Designed by Randal Baker Jr from USA.

Thanks For Giving 21 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Bon Voyage

"And in the morning I’ll be goneFor other towns and other livesI’ll catch the first train, bag in hand. And I won’t miss you, and you won’t cry." Designed by Yellowbook from South Korea.

Bon Voyage 24 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Fallen Leaves

"You know Autumn has arrived when the leaves have fallen, and it rains? Have a great November everybody!" Designed by Olivia Bell from England, UK.

Fallen Leaves 87 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Heavy Equipment

"In the vicinity of Zürich, the company hosted a field test with the new machine and presented the first diesel electrical chain dozer. The Caterpillar D7E Dozer is the November motif of the Heavy Equipment Calendar 2010.Weight: 25,7 Tons/ Performance: 175kW (238 PS) / Motor: Caterpillar with capacity 9,3 l / Location: Zürich, Swiitzerland" Designed by Bauforum24 from Germany.

Heavy Equipment 80 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Reprieve

"Watching nature prepare to go to sleep for the winter. The beauty of the process deserves a closer look. The austerity of a branch without its leaves and a leaf’s exposed skeleton. All for us to marvel at in this season of change." Designed by Kim Carney from USA.

Reprieve 60 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

High Treason

"After a bit of plotting and planning we decided we would use the British tradition of Bonfire Night and create something explosive for the desktops of Smashing Magazine’s followers for the month of November, so here it is, “High Treason” — inspired by the ultimate raving lunatic (Guy Fawkes) and crafted in a digital masterpiece!" Designed by Fluid Creativity from England.

High Treason 33 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

One Big Heart of Ours

"Thank you to Olivia Bell and Rosanna Bell for modelling." Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

One Big Heart Of Ours 43 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Tree

Designed by Christine Bradway from United States.

November Tree 70 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn with gecko

"Graphics made in Illustrator and Photoshop, combining nature elements, like classic autumm leaves with a more exotic and unexpected little gecko. Its purpose is to create an athmosphere of mystery and stillness, before the harsh winter strikes." Designed by Diana Samoila from Romania.

Autumm With Gecko 86 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Mechanical Month

Designed by Lemonsquash from france.

Mechanical Month 65 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Lonely White Guardian

"It’s almost winter and there’s only one thing stopping it from coming down the mountains and into the plains. This lonely white guardian struggling to keep the freezing snow at bay. Special thanks to Mikhail Dudarev for the photo." Designed by Bogdan Lazar from Romania.

Lonely White Guardian 25 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Calaca for El d’a de Muertos

"This illustration was created to celebrate the day of dead in the Hispanic countries and reflects the joy of those who celebrates the life through the death." Designed by Celsiuspictor from Spain.

Calaca 38 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn Fun

"After a happy cold and colourful afternoon, with the wet smell of earth filling my senses, we were walking home, for a hot chocolate, and with all these familliar feelings that sweet image got in my mind, and then I decided… I had to draw it!" Designed by Alkminnie Nestoridou from Greece.

Autumnfun 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Expectation

Designed by Jaro Mlkvy from Slovakia.

Expectation 74 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Rain

"Every night I look down this street, because I’m attracted to color and shape of the newly constructed gas station. This is the most beautiful street in my town, with plenty of benches and alleys. Walking along this street You can relax a lot, and forget all the problems. By day it is very noisy, because the school is close to the street, but in the evening – becoming very quiet and lovely. When it starts raining, the street is just Yours." Designed by Edis Selimovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

November Rain 64 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Hendrix Fire Lyrics Micrography

"Hendrix micrography themed wallpaper, based on the “Fire” lyrics. Micrography is an ancient art of drawing shapes based on letters." Designed by Ron Gilad from Israel.

Hendrix Fire Micrography 84 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Remember, Remember

"Remember, remember the 5th of November." Designed by Ian Lunn from England.

Remember 66 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Stereo is better!

"On November 5, 1955, the stereo radio was introduced. Stereo is really better!" Designed by Matteo Palazzani from Italy.

Stereo Is Better 17 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Diwali Greetings

"Diwali is the celebration of the Hindu new year which is celebrated all over the world. This piece wishes everyone warm wishes for the Hindu new year and the common new year holiday coming up soon." Designed by Smita Upadhye from New Zealand.

Diwali Greetings 84 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Friendship

"Day of National Unity." Designed by cheloveche.ru from Russia.

Friendship 52 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

A Myriad of Stars

"Each separate star, Seems nothing, but a myriad scattered stars, Break up the Night, and make it beautiful.” — Bayard Taylor. This photo was taken during the Perseids Meteor Shower this year, a magical night in the pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona." Designed by Myriad Advertising from USA.

Myriad Stars 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Speaker Bird

Designed by Emily Shirley from USA.

Speaker 31 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Girl

Designed by Yuskiv Taras from Ukraine.

November Girl 6 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn Afternoon

Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

Autumn Afternoon 89 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Racing Incident

"For racing snails, a split minute decision can lead to disaster, but racing incidents are just one part of the crazy world of The Racers." Designed by Ian Pullen from Spain.

Racing Incident 4 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Ghost Friends

"Boney wanted to have friends but they are all ghosts." Designed by Constantino Co from Singapore.

Ghost Friends 18 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Picturesque November

"Just another picturesque place from Iran!" Designed by Arash Zad from IRAN.

Picturesque November 93 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Transitions

"Autumn meets winter…The vibrant red leaves meet the grey mist of winter mornings." Designed by Nishith from India.

Transitions 50 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Life Thougths

"November is the month to think about the yearend and of the new year… where we plan about enjoyment… each one should enjoy the life during this month.. so a colorfull “11″ and some life quotes surronded." Designed by Darshan Kore from India.

Lifethoughts 16 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November in Africa

"One of the most striking attribute of any rural area of Africa is the calm and peace it has. This is why the number of tourists from far and wide come here to be a part of this memory-etching experience. It is in this light that I try to portray such nostalgic atmosphere. Keenako!" Designed by Aroyewun Babajide from Nigeria.

Novemberinafrica 57 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Fire

Designed by Pietje Precies from The Netherlands.

Novemberfire 4 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Remembering George

"Nine years ago on November 29th, the world lost its second Beatle to cancer. George was my favorite of the four, and I thought this lyric was fitting for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday." Designed by Emily Blackwell from USA.

Remembering George 19 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Lawka

"photography" Designed by Mon from Poland.

Lawka 59 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Rustic Flower

"Decoration on a coffe table on a sunny autumn day on a beach." Designed by Ivana Stojkovic from Serbia.

Rustic Flower 75 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Tiramisu

"Who doesn’t like a good piece of Tiramisu? Just created this simple wallpaper with no special reason, just felt like putting a vector piece of cake in a corner, and have everything else breathe and leave room for all you un-organized people with tons of icon on your desktop (just like me). Enjoy, and if you wonder what kind of desert you should have today, this week or this month (if on a really strict diet) well don’t look further!" Designed by Kevin Bedard from USA.

Tiramisu 48 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November

"It is November. It is rich. It is golden." Designed by Jade Cheng from USA.

November 39 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Simple Sunflower

"This photo was taken in the spring, but I always think of sunflowers as an autumn flower." Designed by Allison Jirsa from United States.

Simple Sunflower 81 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Movember

"For a weird reason, Australia and New Zealand celebrate Moustache November. And USA and Canada call it No Shave Month." Designed by Sahil Khan from India.

Movember 67 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Knitting Fall

"Cosy and bright knitting wallpaper will warm you on cold fall days." Designed by Maria Fisenko (marylika) from Ukraine.

Knitting Fall 83 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Channel 11

"Have a nice November!" Designed by Marco Palma from Italy/Germany.

Channel 11 13 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Expanse

"The shear magnitude of our corner of creation is inconceivably small compared to the known universe, which overshadows our solar system 1.25 quadrillion (successor to trillion) to 1 in diameter alone. Humility in this great expanse should be instinctive." Designed by Coswyn from United States.

Expanse 24 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Join in next month!

Please notice that we respect the ideas and motivation behind artists’ work which is why we’ve given artists full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. And this is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us, but designed from scratch by the artists themselves.

Thanks to all designers for participation. Join in next month!

What’s your favorite?

What’s your favourite theme or wallpaper for this month? Please let us know in the comments! And have a smashing November, folks!

(vf)


© Vitaly Friedman for Smashing Magazine, 2010. | Permalink | Post a comment | Add to del.icio.us | Digg this | Stumble on StumbleUpon! | Tweet it! | Submit to Reddit | Forum Smashing Magazine
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Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Smashing-magazine-advertisement in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010Spacer in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010
 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010  in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010  in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Desktop wallpapers can serve as an excellent source of inspiration. However, if you use a specific wallpaper for a longer period of time, it becomes harder to draw inspiration out of it. That’s why we have decided to supply you with smashing wallpapers for over 12 months. To make them a little more distinctive than the usual crowd, we’ve decided to embed calendars for the upcoming month. So if you happen to be searching for a specific day of the month, isn’t it better to show off a nice wallpaper with a nice calendar instead of launching some default time application?

This post features 50 free desktop wallpapers, created by designers across the globe for November 2010. Both versions with a calendar and without a calendar can be downloaded for free.

Please notice:

  • all images can be clicked on and lead to the preview of the wallpaper;
  • you can feature your work in our magazine by taking part in our desktop wallpaper calendar series. We are regularly looking for creative designers and artists to be featured on Smashing Magazine. Are you one of them?

So what wallpapers have we received for November 2010?

Update (02.11.2010): You can also download the Windows 7 Wallpapers Pack with all wallpapers featured in this post.

Rose Petal

"Don’t underestimate the true beauty of a single dried rose petal…." Designed by Thuy Truong.

Rose Petal 44 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Infinite Space

"Infinite Space… Inspired by the infinite beauty of our universe" Designed by Natanael Fernandez from Santo Domingo, Rep. Dominicana.

Infinite Space 85 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Flying

"I’d like to fly away to warm countries for winter." Designed by Marta Miazek from Poland.

Flying 90 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Pink Morning

"Some watercolor, inspiration and good mood!" Designed by Oxana Kostromina from Poland/Russia.

Pink Morning 45 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

UX cake

Designed by WitFlow from Poland.

Ux Cake 69 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Symbian World

"Scene from Symbian World." Designed by Anna Alfut from UK.

Symbian World 23 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Favourite Pair

Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

Favourite Pair 78 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Fall into Place

"Photos from a damp, autumn day." Designed by Laurice Solomon from Canada.

Fall Into Place 2 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Enjoy the creative process

"November will surely be rainy for most of us. Hopefully you’ll remember to take a glimpse through the window, at least a virtual one. This wallpaper also features great free font called Franchise." Designed by Lucijan Blagonic from Croatia.

Enjoy The Creative Process 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Thanks For Giving

Designed by Randal Baker Jr from USA.

Thanks For Giving 21 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Bon Voyage

"And in the morning I’ll be goneFor other towns and other livesI’ll catch the first train, bag in hand. And I won’t miss you, and you won’t cry." Designed by Yellowbook from South Korea.

Bon Voyage 24 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Fallen Leaves

"You know Autumn has arrived when the leaves have fallen, and it rains? Have a great November everybody!" Designed by Olivia Bell from England, UK.

Fallen Leaves 87 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Heavy Equipment

"In the vicinity of Zürich, the company hosted a field test with the new machine and presented the first diesel electrical chain dozer. The Caterpillar D7E Dozer is the November motif of the Heavy Equipment Calendar 2010.Weight: 25,7 Tons/ Performance: 175kW (238 PS) / Motor: Caterpillar with capacity 9,3 l / Location: Zürich, Swiitzerland" Designed by Bauforum24 from Germany.

Heavy Equipment 80 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Reprieve

"Watching nature prepare to go to sleep for the winter. The beauty of the process deserves a closer look. The austerity of a branch without its leaves and a leaf’s exposed skeleton. All for us to marvel at in this season of change." Designed by Kim Carney from USA.

Reprieve 60 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

High Treason

"After a bit of plotting and planning we decided we would use the British tradition of Bonfire Night and create something explosive for the desktops of Smashing Magazine’s followers for the month of November, so here it is, “High Treason” — inspired by the ultimate raving lunatic (Guy Fawkes) and crafted in a digital masterpiece!" Designed by Fluid Creativity from England.

High Treason 33 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

One Big Heart of Ours

"Thank you to Olivia Bell and Rosanna Bell for modelling." Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

One Big Heart Of Ours 43 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Tree

Designed by Christine Bradway from United States.

November Tree 70 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn with gecko

"Graphics made in Illustrator and Photoshop, combining nature elements, like classic autumm leaves with a more exotic and unexpected little gecko. Its purpose is to create an athmosphere of mystery and stillness, before the harsh winter strikes." Designed by Diana Samoila from Romania.

Autumm With Gecko 86 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Mechanical Month

Designed by Lemonsquash from france.

Mechanical Month 65 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Lonely White Guardian

"It’s almost winter and there’s only one thing stopping it from coming down the mountains and into the plains. This lonely white guardian struggling to keep the freezing snow at bay. Special thanks to Mikhail Dudarev for the photo." Designed by Bogdan Lazar from Romania.

Lonely White Guardian 25 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Calaca for El d’a de Muertos

"This illustration was created to celebrate the day of dead in the Hispanic countries and reflects the joy of those who celebrates the life through the death." Designed by Celsiuspictor from Spain.

Calaca 38 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn Fun

"After a happy cold and colourful afternoon, with the wet smell of earth filling my senses, we were walking home, for a hot chocolate, and with all these familliar feelings that sweet image got in my mind, and then I decided… I had to draw it!" Designed by Alkminnie Nestoridou from Greece.

Autumnfun 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Expectation

Designed by Jaro Mlkvy from Slovakia.

Expectation 74 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Rain

"Every night I look down this street, because I’m attracted to color and shape of the newly constructed gas station. This is the most beautiful street in my town, with plenty of benches and alleys. Walking along this street You can relax a lot, and forget all the problems. By day it is very noisy, because the school is close to the street, but in the evening – becoming very quiet and lovely. When it starts raining, the street is just Yours." Designed by Edis Selimovic from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

November Rain 64 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Hendrix Fire Lyrics Micrography

"Hendrix micrography themed wallpaper, based on the “Fire” lyrics. Micrography is an ancient art of drawing shapes based on letters." Designed by Ron Gilad from Israel.

Hendrix Fire Micrography 84 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Remember, Remember

"Remember, remember the 5th of November." Designed by Ian Lunn from England.

Remember 66 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Stereo is better!

"On November 5, 1955, the stereo radio was introduced. Stereo is really better!" Designed by Matteo Palazzani from Italy.

Stereo Is Better 17 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Diwali Greetings

"Diwali is the celebration of the Hindu new year which is celebrated all over the world. This piece wishes everyone warm wishes for the Hindu new year and the common new year holiday coming up soon." Designed by Smita Upadhye from New Zealand.

Diwali Greetings 84 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Friendship

"Day of National Unity." Designed by cheloveche.ru from Russia.

Friendship 52 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

A Myriad of Stars

"Each separate star, Seems nothing, but a myriad scattered stars, Break up the Night, and make it beautiful.” — Bayard Taylor. This photo was taken during the Perseids Meteor Shower this year, a magical night in the pine forests of Flagstaff, Arizona." Designed by Myriad Advertising from USA.

Myriad Stars 9 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Speaker Bird

Designed by Emily Shirley from USA.

Speaker 31 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Girl

Designed by Yuskiv Taras from Ukraine.

November Girl 6 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Autumn Afternoon

Designed by Sasha Bell from England, UK.

Autumn Afternoon 89 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Racing Incident

"For racing snails, a split minute decision can lead to disaster, but racing incidents are just one part of the crazy world of The Racers." Designed by Ian Pullen from Spain.

Racing Incident 4 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Ghost Friends

"Boney wanted to have friends but they are all ghosts." Designed by Constantino Co from Singapore.

Ghost Friends 18 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Picturesque November

"Just another picturesque place from Iran!" Designed by Arash Zad from IRAN.

Picturesque November 93 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Transitions

"Autumn meets winter…The vibrant red leaves meet the grey mist of winter mornings." Designed by Nishith from India.

Transitions 50 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Life Thougths

"November is the month to think about the yearend and of the new year… where we plan about enjoyment… each one should enjoy the life during this month.. so a colorfull “11″ and some life quotes surronded." Designed by Darshan Kore from India.

Lifethoughts 16 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November in Africa

"One of the most striking attribute of any rural area of Africa is the calm and peace it has. This is why the number of tourists from far and wide come here to be a part of this memory-etching experience. It is in this light that I try to portray such nostalgic atmosphere. Keenako!" Designed by Aroyewun Babajide from Nigeria.

Novemberinafrica 57 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November Fire

Designed by Pietje Precies from The Netherlands.

Novemberfire 4 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Remembering George

"Nine years ago on November 29th, the world lost its second Beatle to cancer. George was my favorite of the four, and I thought this lyric was fitting for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday." Designed by Emily Blackwell from USA.

Remembering George 19 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Lawka

"photography" Designed by Mon from Poland.

Lawka 59 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Rustic Flower

"Decoration on a coffe table on a sunny autumn day on a beach." Designed by Ivana Stojkovic from Serbia.

Rustic Flower 75 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Tiramisu

"Who doesn’t like a good piece of Tiramisu? Just created this simple wallpaper with no special reason, just felt like putting a vector piece of cake in a corner, and have everything else breathe and leave room for all you un-organized people with tons of icon on your desktop (just like me). Enjoy, and if you wonder what kind of desert you should have today, this week or this month (if on a really strict diet) well don’t look further!" Designed by Kevin Bedard from USA.

Tiramisu 48 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

November

"It is November. It is rich. It is golden." Designed by Jade Cheng from USA.

November 39 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Simple Sunflower

"This photo was taken in the spring, but I always think of sunflowers as an autumn flower." Designed by Allison Jirsa from United States.

Simple Sunflower 81 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Movember

"For a weird reason, Australia and New Zealand celebrate Moustache November. And USA and Canada call it No Shave Month." Designed by Sahil Khan from India.

Movember 67 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Knitting Fall

"Cosy and bright knitting wallpaper will warm you on cold fall days." Designed by Maria Fisenko (marylika) from Ukraine.

Knitting Fall 83 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Channel 11

"Have a nice November!" Designed by Marco Palma from Italy/Germany.

Channel 11 13 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Expanse

"The shear magnitude of our corner of creation is inconceivably small compared to the known universe, which overshadows our solar system 1.25 quadrillion (successor to trillion) to 1 in diameter alone. Humility in this great expanse should be instinctive." Designed by Coswyn from United States.

Expanse 24 in Desktop Wallpaper Calendar: November 2010

Join in next month!

Please notice that we respect the ideas and motivation behind artists’ work which is why we’ve given artists full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. And this is also why the themes of the wallpapers weren’t anyhow influenced by us, but designed from scratch by the artists themselves.

Thanks to all designers for participation. Join in next month!

What’s your favorite?

What’s your favourite theme or wallpaper for this month? Please let us know in the comments! And have a smashing November, folks!

(vf)


© Vitaly Friedman for Smashing Magazine, 2010. | Permalink | Post a comment | Add to del.icio.us | Digg this | Stumble on StumbleUpon! | Tweet it! | Submit to Reddit | Forum Smashing Magazine
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PHP: Fast and easy SQL queries using ezSQL

What’s ezSQL, and why it is useful

On big projects, the usual good practice is to use a CMS or a framework such as Symfony or CodeIgniter to build your site on. But on smaller projects, many developers are still using PHP functions such as

mysql_query()

to do SQL queries to the database.

While it’s functional, I do not recommend to use all those

mysql_XXX

functions: Most websites are using MySQL, that’s right, but if one day you have to deal with another DB like PostGres or Oracle… Your code will not work at all, and you’ll have to rewrite it. Scary, isn’t it? This is why is it recommended to use a database abstraction layer, an API which unifies the communication between your application/website and databases such as MySQL, Oracle or PostgreSQL.

As you can guess, ezSQL allows you to work with various databases very easily. Though, please note that it does not support differences in SQL syntax implementations among different databases.

Also, ezSQL provide a few methods which simplify queries to the database, and help producing a cleaner code.

ezSQL and WordPress

As most of you are familiar with WordPress, you probably know the

wpdb

class, which allows you to send queries to the database. As wpdb is based on ezSQL, and you’re already familiar with the WordPress class, you won’t have any trouble to learn using ezSQL. And don’t worry if you never heard of WordPress or the wpdb class. ezSQL is extremely easy to learn and to use.

Downloading and installing ezSQL

Right, I have talked too much. How about some coding now? Let start by grabbing your copy of ezSQL. Once you have it, unzip on your server (or hard drive).

In order to be able to use ezSQL in your projects, you have to include two files: The first is

ez_sql_core.php

, which is ezSQL core file. The second depends on the database you’re going to use. In order to use ezSQL with a MySQL database, you have to include

ez_sql_mysql.php

.

Once done, you have to create a ezSQL object. This is done easily using your database username, password, name and host. The following example demonstrates the inclusion of the required files and the creation of a ezSQL object:

include_once "../shared/ez_sql_core.php";
include_once "ez_sql_mysql.php";
$db = new ezSQL_mysql('db_user','db_password','db_name','db_host');

Now, you have an object called

$db

. We’ll use it run any types of queries to our database.

Queries examples

ezSQL has a few methods to make SQL queries extremely simple. Let’s see what you can do with it:

Execute any query

In order to insert, delete or most generally, run any kind of query to the database, we have to use the

query

method. In case of a data insertion, the method will return the insert id.

$db->query("INSERT INTO users (id, name, email) VALUES (NULL,'The Cat','cat@google.com')");

Example of an update query:

$db->query("UPDATE users SET name = 'Patrick' WHERE id = 4");

Select a row

The

get_row

method is great if you just need to select a row from your database. The example below executes a simple select query and displays the results.

$user = $db->get_row("SELECT name, email FROM users WHERE id = 4");

echo $user->name;
echo $user->email;

Select a single variable

If you only need a variable, the

get_var

method is here to help. Using it is extremely simple as shown below.

$var = $db->get_var("SELECT count(*) FROM users");

echo $var;

Select multiple results

Although the methods documented above are quite useful, most of the time you’ll need to get various rows of data from your database. The method called

get_results

will get various data from your database. To output the data, a simple

foreach()

loop is all you need.

$results = $db->get_results("SELECT name, email FROM users");

foreach ( $results as $user ) {
    echo $user->name;
    echo $user->email;
}

Select a column

If you need to get a column, you can use the get_col method. The second parameter is the column offset.

foreach ( $db->get_col("SELECT name,email FROM users",0) as $name ) {
            echo $name;
}

Debug

When something doesn’t work as expected, ezSQL has a great method to perform some debugging. Not surprising, the method is called

debug

. When called, the method will display the last query performed and its associated results.

$db->debug();

I hope you enjoyed this article and that you’ll use ezSQL in your future projects. It’s a great tool which was very helpful for me many times!

Like CatsWhoCode? If yes, don’t hesitate to check my other blog CatsWhoBlog: It’s all about blogging!

PHP: Fast and easy SQL queries using ezSQL

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