All posts by 2020Media Blogger

2020Media is a leading UK web host offering Linux and Windows website hosting. The company specialises in WordPress, Joomla and Drupal support.
WordPress

2020Media Managed WordPress and WordPress 5.0

WordPress version 5.0  is now officially released. By introducing a new block editor, it will change the way people edit their website content considerably. The new editor allows you to layout your text, images and other media in many new creative ways, but it is also more complex to start using.

We would normally update sites using our Managed WordPress to the latest version automatically, once the new release has been “in the wild” for a few days (in case there are any last minute bugs that slipped through all the testing). However we will delay a little longer this time, and more importantly, we will automatically install and activate the Classic Editor plugin along with the new WordPress core update. By default your content editor will remain exactly as it is.

the Classic Editor Plugin

You can switch to the new editor if and when you are ready at the click of a button within the WordPress dashboard.  The Classic Editor will NOT overwrite the new block editor, but will allow you to also use the Classic Editor as an alternative for as long as you want to (technically until 2022 when it will be retired).

Switching between old and new editor
Switching between old and new editor

The new editor (called Gutenburg) will take some time to get used to, if you have always used the built-in editor, but many premium themes include a block editor so for many customers, it may already be familiar.

As always our Managed WordPress service makes a daily backup of your site so your website can be restored at the click of a button if any compatibility issues arise

 

Opinion

ICANN Barcelona Wrap Up

ICANN is 20 years old, but what is ICANN?

Simply put ICANN is the policy making body for gTLD domains and IP numbers. They hold week long conferences three times a year to engage with all internet stakeholders, from representatives of government to non-commercial internet organisations to private individuals.

2020Media’s Management team attended the recent ICANN meeting in Barcelona, Spain. We present a short review of our experiences.

Hot Topics

The most talked about issue that ICANN is dealing with at the moment is the WHOIS system. This used to be a public database where all the contact details for domain name owners was published. As you may expect it was used by spammers and malware pushers as a rich source of data. Thanks to the EU bringing in GDPR, all this personal data is now hidden from public view, and only available to law enforcement and other similar officials. A replacement system is also being discussed but has been bogged down for years.

Of course not everyone is happy with how these changes have been implemented and what will be available in the future – “Civil society groups blast ICANN Org’s push for a “Unified Access Model””

 ICANN 63 Barcelona By the Numbers

ICANN 63 by the numbers

 

Technical

Decoupling WordPress from the Front End

A client wanted a decoupled, REST API-powered website with a React frontend and a WordPress backend. This case study by development agency Humanmade.com is great read.

In a traditional WordPress project, WordPress powers both the front-end (what the world sees) and the back-end (where the content is entered). However WordPress has fantastic tools built in so that this is not the only way it can be deployed. In this example, WordPress is used solely as a data collection and delivery method.

The wider team, such as the designer, front-end developer, CSS developer, and Node.js developer, were able to focus on their component parts.

Read more at: A decoupled, REST-API powered website for ustwo — Human Made

Opinion

.scot promotion

“There is no denying the potency of Scotland’s brand – its castles, dramas, and scenery are world-famous, as well as Scotland’s progressive position in global affairs“

Registering a .scot domain is the perfect way to showcase a Scottish connection.

From 30th November 2018 to 28th February 2019, 2020Media is offer a very special price for .scot domains of just £15+vat per domain for the first year.

Register your .scot today:

http://2020.sc/scot18

Why Choose .SCOT?

Boost your business’s online presence

Are you a Scottish business or selling Scottish products? 71% of Scottish consumers said they would prefer to buy from websites with a .scot domain. Switching to a .scot domain will boost your authenticity and help attract new customers.

Highlight your Scottish roots online

Show how your brand is associated with one of the most iconic, progressive and scenic countries in the world.

Get the perfect domain name

With more names available with .scot  as opposed to the crowded .com, .net and .co.uk domain extensions, you’ll be sure to find the perfect domain and email address to suit your needs.

If you have any questions please get  in touch with us.

Quote from: David C. Weinczok, CastleHunter.scot

Domain Names

Internet Governance Meeting

In a month’s time, our management team will be heading to Barcelona in Spain to take part in the 63rd ICANN meeting from 20–25 October.

This should be a policy focused event, as this meeting includes a ‘High-Level Government Meeting (HLGM)’ section, which takes place every two years in the current ICANN schedule.

HLGMs reinforce the critical role that governments play in providing advice to the ICANN Board on public policy relating to the secure and stable functioning of the Domain Name System. They also give participants an opportunity to discuss at a very senior level the current public policy issues and challenges at ICANN.

We’ll also be meeting with colleagues from around the world who work primarily in the internet governance, domain name and DNS space.

As always, ICANN meetings are free to anyone with an interest, including invididuals, so if you are remotely interested in the inner workings of the internet, they provide a rare unfettered glimpse for anyone who wants to learn more. Join us if you can, or watch this blog for our post-meeting analysis and report.