MySQL Maximum Upload (max_allowed_packet)

[smwaff]

Hi everyone...

I'm thinking of using a membership site script that has a requirement that MySQL allow uploads of 16MB or greater (max_allowed_packet = 16M) in file my.ini (or myh.cnf). The "default" on most servers, they say, is max_allowed_packet = 1M

But they also say that I should be able to alter that file myself, or have my hosting service alter it if necessary.

I can't find my.ini or my.cnf in my file manager. Am I going to be able to run that script?

Appreciate any "official" info :)

Thanks,
Steve

[tsnyder91]

Are you sure its the Mysql upload you need to change? I can't imagine a purpose in allowing routine 16 meg uploads INTO the db. You can change the php.ini to all any amount you want for file uploads though. Please check and verify you are actually needed to be able to upload 16MB into the db directly. That will make for a HUGE DB and very slow Query I would think.

[smwaff]

Hi tsnyder...

Well, this is from their "Features List:"


All files you upload are uploaded into the MySQL database which makes for a much more secure file storage system. Now, there is no way for people to discovery any single folder on your server and access these folders to download your files and documents.

Files Stored In MySQL Database
Better File Security And Protection
Stores .Zip, .Exe, .Txt, .Html, Images, more
Stores Documentation You Write On The Fly
Stores Internal/External Links

And this is from their manual:


Because this script is set up to upload all files and documents into the MySQL database, it directly relates to how your hosting provider has the MySQL .ini (.cnf) file setup on your server as to how large a file can be uploaded into the MySQL database.

There are two main files for you to be concerned with and the settings in these two files. The first file is the MySQL configuration file, usually named my.cnf in the newest versions of MySQL or my.ini in older versions.

If you have root access to your server (you own and operate the server yourself) or if you have a great hosting provider that will alter files on your server, the line that you need to look for and update is: max_allowed_packet = (x)M Where (x) is an integer such as: max_allowed_packet = 1M. The default setting is 1M, meaning 1MB packet size allowed.

Depending on your membership site and how large the files are you want to upload, you need to set this setting to about 2 megabytes over your max files size you want to upload into your MySQL database. So, if you wanted to be able to upload a file that has a size of 16MB, then you would want to set this to 18MB, so it would read: max_allowed_packet = 18M


But what you're saying makes sense, so maybe I do't want this script after all. Still, I'd like to know for sure.

Thanks,
Steve

[tsnyder91]

If that is what the app does, then yes you will need to have hostmonster change the my.ini config. Unless someone has seen how to make our own my.ini files. Just to translate, this means that if someone is wanting to get a file it will require 16 meg worth of info to xfer to php or perl and then out to the customers browser. It is WAY secure and I've done this before with small jpgs that I didn't want ppl to browse to, but it will bloat your db size fast depending on the use. Might check with hostmonster via chat or 800 number to see if this system is even a possibility. Or wait and see if anyone else has a better answer.

[smwaff]

Thanks again, tsnyder, for you help.

It sounds like a whale of a script, but it may be too much for my needs. I'm glad I didn't leap before I looked :D

There are several CGI/Perl and PHP scripts that'll work just fine for my needs at the moment. Do you have a partcular favorite of your own?

Thanks,
Steve

[shadmego]

May I ask what program you want to use that requires direct upload access to the database?

[smwaff]

May I ask what program you want to use that requires direct upload access to the database?

No Problem shadmego!

http://www.palmember.com/features.php

(not an affiliate link)

Steve

[shadmego]

It sounds like a very interesting program. I tried looking, but I don't see how you can make a full fledged site with this program. Other than member management, How does this program allow you to create content and manage the look of the site itself?

I'm not against this program, just asking questions. The demo link of the site didn't really provide any real information.

regards,
Shadmego

[smwaff]

Hi again shadmego...

No, the "demo" apparently isn't set up and active. I wish it were!

It's not a site builder like a FrontPage or Dreamweaver or something. You create your pages any way you usually would. If you want to run a membrship site, then you'd use a script like this to password-protect certain directories (folders) on your server, where you might have pages you only want members to access, or files for download by paid subscribers, for example.

A "membership manager" script will give you a sign-up form, automatically set up new memberships, and allow them access to your protected directories/folders/files/pages.

IOW, it just secures areas of your site for "members only."

I've toyed with Locked Area Lite in the past, but want something more professional for my near-future plans.

Anyone ever use Locked Area Pro, or their new OpenCrypt?

Addendum:

The better of these types of programs, whether PHP or CGI based, or both, usually allow you to edit the headers & footers of the sign-up and download area script pages to "match" the look & feel of your pages, so that they integrate seamlessly with your existing site.

[shadmego]

I don't want to throw a wrench into your plans, and probably won't, but I wanted to suggest to you a different approach to what I think you are saying you want.

If I understand you correctly, you are looking to create a website that can manage users and offer them services or "downloads" on a paid basis. This would mean creating sections of your site that are off-limits to non-paying members.

I would like to introduce you to a Content Management System called Joomla!. Among other things, it allows for user management, paid/free membership control, banner exchange programs, etc. etc.

Without turning this into an advertisement post, I would point you to this site:

www.joomla.org

and this site for the demo:

http://demo.joomla.org

If you are interested, I can help you with getting more information. If not, then ... well ... nevermind this post. lol!

Anyway, it sounds like you already have a plan and I don't want to get in the way of that. Just thought I would put another option out there.

Kindest regards,
Shadmego

[smwaff]

Hi shadmego...

I used to work with a guy named "Shad" years ago LOL

Joomla is available as a one-click install in Fantastico, accessible through the cPanel here (and other servers). Is this version the full-featured version you steered me to in your post?

If so, it looks pretty impressive, albeit a bit complicated at first sight. I'll look further into it.

Thanks! :D

[shadmego]

Well, I hope it was a good working relationship you two had, or I'll bring back some bad memories! ;)

They are one and the same! Though, the project is very near it's next major release, Joomla! 1.5 is in beta testing. If you want to use this, It may be beneficial to wait to build your live site with the new system as some of the API changes will dictate if some extensions work or not.

Joomla! really isn't that difficult to get going and if you use Fantastico, it's even easier. Plus there is a HUGE community available to help answer your questions. Unlike other open source communities, Joomla! people are very interested in helping out. (I'm one of them ... regular user not developer).

Anyway. I'm here to answer any questions you have. The most difficult part of Joomla! is in deciding what components/extensions to install, not the installation of them.

You can check our two of my sites built with Joomla!

www.febconline.com
www.sagz4Christ.com

~cheers
Shadmego

[smwaff]

Yeah, he was cool. We were long-hairs -- '70's hippies throwbacks ROFL.

I looked at your sites, although (to be honest) religion isn't my thing.

I'm wondering, though, where does the "membership" thing come in, and how would I control things like payments, subscription payments (monthly), and access to the files I'd want to make available?

I know, I could launch a CSI Investigation, or even try it out, but since you say you're here to answer questions, ... hehe

I've tried some of the Fantastico installations that are similar before. I get along fine with WordPress, but some of the others floor me.

Are those your own domain names?

How do I get "paid member" signups? Does it integrate with PayPal or 2CO?

It looks very "community" oriented, like MySpace or something.

The reason I'm interested in scripts like I mentioned before is the paid membership aspect. I want to run a business for profit.

I still want to hear from anyo9ne who has experience with some of the membership programs available, like Butterfly Marketing, Motivated Marketing, or other scripts like those, including Locked Area and OpenCrypt.

I'm listening, Shad...

(I know you're not trying to "sell" anything)

[shadmego]

Well, I'm a Christian, but religion isn't my thing either, so we have something in common ... and that's another story for another thread in another forum ...

I digress ...

Joomla!'s real power comes in its ability to mold itself into any design style and site need. My site looks like a community site because I wanted it set up that way. There are business sites that sell products that are built on the Joomla! system, and there are blog-type sites designed to act like WordPress. In fact, there is a WordPress extension that allows for this.

Another very powerful feature of Joomla! is the ability to install and manage more than 1100 different extensions to help tailor your site to your individual needs.

For instance, you want a paid-membership type site where you offer a service or product and your members pay for it. There is an extension called: Account Expiration Control - Subscription Manager (http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,1367/Itemid,35/)

This extension allows you to set up accounts that will expire in various amounts of time. You can then allow the users to download or access services you are offering until their account expires and then they have to pay again. This component includes payment gateways such as PayPal and 2CheckOut among other popular gateways.

There is also:
VirtueMart (http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,129/Itemid,35/)


This component is used to allow the purchase of products from a shopping cart-type site, where users select a product (software or hardware) to purchase. Something similar is like newegg or tigerdirect. These aren't based on the Joomla! system, but they are shopping-cart-type payment sites.

The list goes on and one 'til the break of dawn' (sorry) with the options available. Both options I gave above are GNU/GPL lincenses. There are other components in the same categories as these that you have to buy, and they offer different functionality. I gave these two because I seriously believe in the open source community ... and I'm poor ;)~

I own the sagz4Christ domain. My church owns the other domain.

I love being useful! Ask away!!

Kindest regards,
Shadmego

[smwaff]

Ok, Shad....

I'm taking a serious look at this. Joomla! sounds like a very sophisticated membership site that might fit my bil.

I still want to hear from users of other membership site scripts, though. I want a well-rounded picture of what works best for different people.

There are "Internet Marketers" pushing various programs (for profit) and I want what meets my particular needs. I'm not even sure what those needs are, yet.

That's why I'm asking questions ;)

Thank you for all your excellent help!