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MariaDB 10.6 Database Upgrade: What it Means for You

WHC News & Events

Web Hosting Canada is delighted to announce that, beginning October 2023, we plan to upgrade MariaDB, the database engine powering our web hosting, managed WordPress and reseller hosting solutions, from version 10.3.39 to 10.6. This article dives deep into what this upgrade entails, its benefits, potential risks, and its impact on popular platforms like WordPress.

Advantages of upgrading to MariaDB 10.6

  • Performance Improvements: MariaDB 10.6 has been built for superior overall performance—ensuring websites and applications are more responsive.
  • Enhanced Security: With an array of updated security features, MariaDB 10.6 helps keep your site and data secure.
  • Innovative Features: The new version unveils several features that can be harnessed by developers, offering more flexibility and capabilities for website and application management.
  • Better Scalability: MariaDB 10.6 promises improved scalability, ensuring that high-traffic sites, whether they're on WordPress or custom PHP, run smoothly even during peak load times.
  • Bug Resolutions: Many known bugs from previous versions have been addressed, leading to a more stable database environment.
  • WordPress: Given that WordPress powers over a third of the web, any database change is significant. Fortunately, MariaDB 10.6 is well-suited for WordPress versions 5.8+, promising faster load times and more efficient data retrieval, making WP sites even more robust. However, website owners should ensure that their themes and plugins are compatible with the latest database version.

Potential Risks and Mitigation

  • Compatibility Issues: Especially for websites with custom configurations, themes, or plugins, there may be compatibility concerns. Testing in a staging environment is recommended.
  • Downtime: Although we will aim for a smooth transition, short periods of downtime will likely occur during while we upgrade. These will be communicated in advance and scheduled in off-peak hours.
  • Data Transitioning: We'll conduct comprehensive backups before the upgrade, but it's always wise for site owners to maintain their own recent backups.
  • Unexpected Challenges: Despite our best preparations, unforeseen issues can arise. Our dedicated team will be on standby 24/7 to tackle any such occurrences.

MariaDB and MySQL

MariaDB 10.6, like other versions starting with MariaDB 10.0, diverges significantly from MySQL in terms of features and development. However, MariaDB 10.6 most closely aligns with MySQL 8.0 in terms of its timeline and some shared features. That said, it's important to note that while MariaDB started as a fork of MySQL, the two databases have diverged over time, with MariaDB incorporating features not present in MySQL and vice versa.

While MariaDB aims to maintain backward compatibility with MySQL, especially in earlier versions, the two have grown more distinct as new versions are released. Users and developers should always refer to the official documentation of both databases when considering migrations or compatibility.

Wrapping Up

WHC is proud to continue providing our clients with the latest updates and best-in-class technology.

While we anticipate numerous benefits, we also recognize the importance of preparation, especially for complex sites running on platforms like WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, or custom PHP. We encourage our users to reach out with any concerns, and our support team is always happy to assist.

Internet Browsers

Your browser needs an urgent security update

Security

Browsing the web is like navigating the high seas: it's vast and exciting, but sometimes you might encounter a storm. And this is precisely what’s currently happening in the digital world: 

A critical vulnerability in major web browsers has been discovered (and patched!) 

What you need to know

Putting millions of computers and systems at risk, the vulnerability known as CVE-2023-4863 caused a stir and forced all major web browsers’ players to quickly find a patch. The silver lining? There is a simple way to patch it and it’s available already. But you must do so promptly. Let's dive into what this means for you and how to patch it in order to continue your online activities safely. 🚀🔒

What’s the issue

The vulnerability allows attackers to access your web browser or even remotely run malicious code on a user's computer. That’s disturbing! And this vulnerability has been actively exploited in real-world scenarios. Rated as 'severe' by NIST, the flaw is not limited to just these browsers. The root of the problem lies in the code associated with rendering WebP images, a format extensively used across the web.

Leading browser developers, including Google Chrome, Mozilla, Microsoft, and Brave, have all released crucial security patches to counteract this vulnerability. 

What you need to do now

If you recently updated your browser or app to the latest version, your browser has been patched and protected against this vulnerability. If you’re not sure, below are the latest software versions that include the fix:

  • Apple Safari: Update all Apple devices to iOS 17
  • Google Chrome:
    • Mac / Linux: Version 116.0.5846.187
    • Windows: Version 116.0.5845.187/.188
  • Mozilla:
    • Firefox: Version 117.0.1
    • Firefox ESR: Version 102.15.1 and 115.2.1
    • Thunderbird: Version 102.15.1 and 115.2.2
  • Microsoft Edge: Version 116.0.1938.81
  • Brave Browser: Version 1.57.64

Make sure your browser matches or exceeds these versions. If it’s not the case, update immediately to the latest version. 

An impact beyond browsers

The vulnerability doesn't stop at browsers. Apple also rolled out a security update seemingly addressing the same concern. Many other software applications and platforms have been affected: Electron-based apps such as the encrypted messaging app Signal and Bandisoft’s Honeyview, other applications like Affinity, Gimp, LibreOffice, Telegram, numerous Android applications, and even those built with the Flutter framework.

The last word

To our valued clients, at the risk of repeating ourselves here, we urge everyone to take these updates seriously and implement them without delay. Once this is done, it’s best practice to regularly check for software updates and follow trusted tech news sources. And don’t hesitate to spread the word. Inform colleagues, friends, and family about this vulnerability and encourage them to update their software.

Stay safe in the digital world!

Frank

Meet Frank: Chief Domain Nerd at WHC

Domains, WHC News & Events

Imagine someone whose passion for domains is so deep… it's etched in their resume, in their DNA and even on their car license plate. Meet Frank Michlick!

As Product Manager for domains, Frank oversees our fast-growing Domain Division at WHC. Under his watch, we’re now Canada's top domain auctions platform for .CA and have more than 160,000 domains under management. Not to mention Frank’s Tik Tok famous. And now Frank got his eyes set on a higher mission—he's running for a seat in the upcoming board elections at CIRA this Fall. 

So, let’s get to know the man, the myth, the domain savant…. Frank Michlick in 9 questions!

Q&A with Frank, Chief Domain Nerd

Q: How did you become WHC's Product Manager for Domains?

A: I had bumped into Emil, our CEO, at some industry events, including a local CIRA gathering in Montreal. We clicked over—you guessed it—domains. When I saw on LinkedIn that WHC was looking for a Domain Product Manager, I applied, and the rest is history.

Q: What's the most rewarding aspect of your role?

A: The camaraderie with my colleagues at WHC is great! Plus, I appreciate the opportunities and challenges that come with being part of the leadership team. After more than 20 years in the domain industry, it's a privilege to work alongside so many people I consider friends.

Q: Why should Canadians choose .CA for their domain?

A: A .CA domain is more than just an address; it's a statement. It clearly shows that you're a Canadian business, which appeals to both local and international audiences. It’s our place on the internet and we should be proud. 

Q: Any quick tips for those shopping for a new domain?

A: First, make sure it passes the "radio test”: Say the name to 5 friends, have them write down what they understood. If they understand and spell it correctly on the first attempt, that’s usually a good domain name. Oh and make sure you to register your domain at WHC—not only are we local, but our revamped suggestion engine will guide you and help find the perfect domain for you.

Q: Which emerging technologies could impact the domain industry?

A: Obviously, AI is a major game-changer, not just for domains but across various sectors. Another topic I follow is web3 and their domain-related developments, especially as new Top Level Domains become available in the future.

Q: What hobbies or interests do you have outside of the digital world?

A: First and foremost, family! I also love nature, and photography and I’m passionate about environmental causes. Of course, a lot of my personal interests are related to tech. For example, my love for the 40-year-old Commodore 64 computer and the people who still work with it. I probably would not be doing what I do today if it wasn’t for this vintage machine. 

Q: Any book or film that really influenced you?

A: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. A classic comedy—and the answer is 42. Those who know, know.

Q: Why are you running for a CIRA board seat?

A: CIRA is an important institution in Canada. Its main role is to run the registry for .CA. The board could use more direct industry knowledge and I'd be honored to contribute and help shape the future of Canada’s internet. 

Q: What unique qualities do you offer as a potential CIRA board member?

A: I bring over 20 years of experience working with registrars, registries and domain investors. I registered my first domain in 1995 and always had a strong connection with the industry since then. 

Frank for CIRA

Having the privilege of collaborating with Frank on a daily basis (and engage in countless tech discussions), I can attest to the importance of his expertise and vision for the future of the Canadian internet landscape. A CIRA board seat for Frank would allow us all to benefit from a more inclusive and effective approach to governing the web in Canada.

Vote for Frank

How to vote in the board elections

If you own a .CA domain, congrats—you're eligible to become a CIRA member. It’s that simple. However, this current election cycle won't be open to new members. Still, there's value in joining now for future influence. 

If you’re a member, the voting process is straightforward, and the timeline for voting in the election is from September 27 to October 4. CIRA members will receive an email on September 27 inviting them to vote. Meanwhile, you can visit the forum. Results will be announced October, 9. So, take a moment to be part of shaping the future of the Canadian internet—vote for Frank!

Outro

I hope this article gave you a little insight into who Frank is and helped put a human face on the team behind WHC.

I'd like to thank Frank personally. He plays a crucial role in the marketing team with his patience for our bottomless questions about domains and other areas of the web. Thank you for being the awesome human you are. Cheers to many more years of collaborating together! (And vote Frank!)

WHC turns 20

WHC Turns 20!

WHC News & Events

It was just over 20 years ago, in September 2003, that I registered my very first company domain. 

As a young Computer Engineering student still doing my undergrad, I was building websites & apps for clients as a side gig and needed to get them online. I was looking for a trusted, local provider, at a fair price, but to my surprise, there were simply no good options available. That’s when the thought occurred: why not create one?

I didn’t quite realize it then, but that was the day WHC was born.

Fast forward 20 years. Today, I’m proud to say that WHC…

  • powers the online ventures of over 60,000 businesses
  • manages over 160,000 domain names (and counting)
  • is recognized as Canada's #1 .CA domain name provider and the world's #1 .CA backorder provider
  • operates one of Canada’s top Managed WordPress solutions
  • is a leading Canadian Cloud provider that’s also SOC2-certified, cPanel and CIRA+ICANN accredited
  • operates a 24/7 bilingual help desk and NOC with a 93%+ customer satisfaction score 
  • is one of Canada’s Best Workplaces™ in Technology
  • remains a bootstrapped, profitable, founder-owned and mission-driven Canadian organization

Think a video is worth a thousand words? I agree! So here goes:

This is WHC: the Video

The WHC Team Celebrates 20 Years

Earlier this September, we brought our Canadian team together for a well-deserved weekend to celebrate our 20-year anniversary in Quebec’s beautiful Laurentians. 

WHC team at Chaletpalooza

We laughed, sang, danced, feasted, played and reminisced, marking this rare milestone in a post-COVID world. 

WHC team collage

The outpouring of love was truly touching. Despite the occasional bumps along the way, the 20-year journey has been incredible. 

Paving the way for the next 20

Even more special are the challenges and opportunities ahead. In this new era of affordable AI and big data, we’re all embarking on a technological revolution the likes of which the world has never seen. It’s big, exciting and sometimes even scary, but WHC is going to be here every step of the way. We’ll continue to improve and deliver the platform and tools Canadians need to succeed online. 

Thank you, Canada, for trusting us with your projects. 

And thank you to the whole WHC team for being part of this epic journey with me. 

Here’s to the next 20 years! 🍻

Yours truly,

Emil

Domain Auctions

Domain Backorders become Auctions (and get a facelift!)

Domains

Domain backorders & auctions allow Canadians to snatch up high-quality .CA domains the second they expire and become available for re-registration. WHC is already Canada’s top provider of .CA domain auctions and our platform is about to get even better! 

Here’s what’s changing:

Backorders are now called Auctions

Confused by all the terminology? So were we! So, we simplified it all, and backorders are now called Auctions. From now on, instead of back-ordering a domain before the drop, you’ll simply bid on it. The Backorder Center in your Client Area now becomes Domain Auctions.

We’re dropping prices & simplifying bidding

We’ve made bidding on expiring domains easier. All initial bids will now start at a flat (and reduced!) rate of $18 CAD. Multiple bids for the same domain before the drop date will no longer increase the starting bid. Easy, right?

Auctions are now public (and extended)!

Moving forward, any domain caught by WHC with at least two bidders will be listed in a public week-long extended auction on whc.ca (as opposed to a private day-long one). Extended auctions end Wednesdays at 1 PM Eastern time, one week later. This also happens to be 1 hour before the next drop! 🙂

New bidders now have the opportunity to join auctions and compete for the domain at any point during the auction period. No more stress about not having enough time to bid on a particularly sought-after domain!

Fairer process

Moving forward, the number of bids and max bids will remain private until after the domain has dropped and the extended auction has started. This helps ensure a more even playing field for all domainers. We’ll continue helping you spot valuable domains by highlighting hot domains before they drop!

 

We hope you’ll appreciate the changes we’ve made, and stay tuned for more to come! 

Comments or suggestions? Drop them in the comments section below.