01-28-2017, 02:55 PM
"Replacing the base platform risks losing 14 years or archived posts"
Most forum software has import scripts for importing not only the old posts but also the user database as well from a variety of old forums. Usually the import script is ran and everything ported to the new software, both forums running simultaneously until the new one is tested and debugged. When the admin is happy the DNS is switched over so yourdomain.com points to the IP address of the new server. I used to admin a server that ran on a freeware forum and decided to upgrade to vbulletin. The import instructions seemed daunting so I paid somebody to do it for me (was only about $50). After I became comfortable with the new software I later re-read the import instructions and realized how easy it actually was to do. Snitz is pretty old though, might not be as easy.
Once all that is done, no guarantee the sendmail server will be configured correctly, but that is a separate issue.
One thing you will find is that all new forum softwares with all their illustrious features all equals a lot more code written to make all those fancy options run. More code=more bugs= more avenues for exploitation. After I upgraded the software I was frequently having to apply patches to fix various security problems. Running a newer forum software isn't a set-it-and-forget-it type of deal.
Most forum software has import scripts for importing not only the old posts but also the user database as well from a variety of old forums. Usually the import script is ran and everything ported to the new software, both forums running simultaneously until the new one is tested and debugged. When the admin is happy the DNS is switched over so yourdomain.com points to the IP address of the new server. I used to admin a server that ran on a freeware forum and decided to upgrade to vbulletin. The import instructions seemed daunting so I paid somebody to do it for me (was only about $50). After I became comfortable with the new software I later re-read the import instructions and realized how easy it actually was to do. Snitz is pretty old though, might not be as easy.
Once all that is done, no guarantee the sendmail server will be configured correctly, but that is a separate issue.
One thing you will find is that all new forum softwares with all their illustrious features all equals a lot more code written to make all those fancy options run. More code=more bugs= more avenues for exploitation. After I upgraded the software I was frequently having to apply patches to fix various security problems. Running a newer forum software isn't a set-it-and-forget-it type of deal.