webmaster's blog
Web Site Upgrades Planned
Website Upgrade Feb. 9 - 13
Sudden Shutdowns Possible: Save Your Work Often
Our ISP will be performing database updates during the week of Feb 9 to Feb 13 and these updates can occur at any time. During the database update, please expect the site to suddenly go down and/or become unresponsive. The update can last from (their estimate) 15 to 45 minutes - I would expect longer! I suggest that anyone who is editing content to SAVE OFTEN. We do not know which day the update will occur - which is the best estimate our ISP can give us since they have a large number of servers to upgrade.
- Thank you for your patience -
If you have any questions or encounter any problems please email me at webmaster[at]electiondefensealliance [dot]org
Webmaster
DETAILS
We have been waiting for the ability to upgrade for some time (more than a 1-1/2 years). We had to wait for our ISP to upgrade the server hardware and software, which would allow for the upgrades. Three months ago, our ISP was sold to new owners and they have moved swiftly to start the necessary hardware and software updates. Just over one month ago, they moved us to a new server with a new IP address. This weekend, they announced the upgrade to our database from MySQL 4 to MySQL 5, which is the final step needed to update the EDA web site.
With the completion of the database upgrade, we will have the necessary system requirements in place to update our core programs, from the current Drupal 5 Content Management System to the newer Drupal 6. The upgrade will add some new cabilities to the EDA site. I have not scheduled the upgrade but it will happen within the next couple of weeks. I will notify everyone via a block on the main page announcing the software upgrade. Please be aware the EDA site will likely be down ALL DAY on the announced day. This will be an extensive software update.
Our ISP will be performing database updates during the week of Feb 9 to Feb 13 and these updates can occur at any time. During the database update, please expect the site to suddenly go down and/or become unresponsive. The update can last from (their estimate) 15 to 45 minutes - I would expect longer! I suggest that anyone who is editing content to SAVE OFTEN. We do not know which day the update will occur - which is the best estimate our ISP can give us since they have a large number of servers to upgrade. - Thank you for your patience - If you have any questions or encounter any problems please email me at webmaster[at]electiondefensealliance [dot]org Webmaster We have been waiting for the ability to upgrade for some time (more than a 1-1/2 years). We had to wait for our ISP to upgrade the server hardware and software, which would allow for the upgrades. Three months ago, our ISP was sold to new owners and they have moved swiftly to start the necessary hardware and software updates. Just over one month ago, they moved us to a new server with a new IP address. This weekend, they announced the upgrade to our database from MySQL 4 to MySQL 5, which is the final step needed to update the EDA web site. With the completion of the database upgrade, we will have the necessary system requirements in place to update our core programs, from the current Drupal 5 Content Management System to the newer Drupal 6. The upgrade will add some new cabilities to the EDA site. I have not scheduled the upgrade but it will happen within the next couple of weeks. I will notify everyone via a block on the main page announcing the software upgrade. Please be aware the EDA site will likely be down ALL DAY on the announced day. This will be an extensive software update.
Website Upgrade Feb. 9 - 13
Sudden Shutdowns Possible: Save Your Work Often
DETAILS
Car Pools to Sacramento Hearing, October 15
Post Rides Offered or Needed
to CA Voting System Hearing
This is a quick and simple ride board, built on a blog form that should enable posts and replies.
Thinking ahead to the ES&S Decertification hearing that has been rescheduled to October 15, 2007, use this space to post requests and offers for shared rides.
Drivers: List how many passengers you can take, and your location and time of departure
List whatever form of contact information you wish.
Riders: State how many in your party, and your approximate location of departure
List whatever form of contact information you wish.
Use the Comment and Reply links at the foot of this window
--Amtrak Train is also an option; the Capitol Corridor line runs up from the Peninsula to Sacramento.
Click here for Amtrak ticket and route information
Click here for the Sacramento train schedule
Click to download Walking Map from the Sacramento Amtrak station to the Secretary of State building (30-minute walk)
Post Rides Offered or Needed
to CA Voting System Hearing
to CA Voting System Hearing
This is a quick and simple ride board, built on a blog form that should enable posts and replies.
Thinking ahead to the ES&S Decertification hearing that has been rescheduled to October 15, 2007, use this space to post requests and offers for shared rides.
Drivers: List how many passengers you can take, and your location and time of departure
List whatever form of contact information you wish.
Riders: State how many in your party, and your approximate location of departure
List whatever form of contact information you wish.
Use the Comment and Reply links at the foot of this window
--Amtrak Train is also an option; the Capitol Corridor line runs up from the Peninsula to Sacramento.
Click here for Amtrak ticket and route information
Click here for the Sacramento train schedule
Click to download Walking Map from the Sacramento Amtrak station to the Secretary of State building (30-minute walk)
Auditability
By Bruce O'Dell
What does "auditability" really mean for an election?
How can we know that the output of computerized voting devices can be trusted?
Whenever computers are used to cast or tally votes, there are inherent risks that must be mitigated:
• Computer software is written to perform as specified, but errors still may occur.
• Whenever computer systems process transactions of high value to society, there is temptation for a malicious programmer to include covert functionality that causes software to deliberately perform other than intended, for personal or financial gain.
By Bruce O'Dell
What does "auditability" really mean for an election?
How can we know that the output of computerized voting devices can be trusted?
Whenever computers are used to cast or tally votes, there are inherent risks that must be mitigated:
• Computer software is written to perform as specified, but errors still may occur.
• Whenever computer systems process transactions of high value to society, there is temptation for a malicious programmer to include covert functionality that causes software to deliberately perform other than intended, for personal or financial gain.
10,000 Election Simulation proves effectiveness of UBS ballot count validation system. 
