[Solved] Network issues outside our data center

Some of our users are experiencing issues connecting to our servers. There seems to be some switches on the route to our systems that are not passing on traffic like they should.

The problem is outside our control but we are trying to find out what’s going on and will update you as soon as we have more information.

Update 1: This is not a very scientific result, but from this overview we cant see any issues except from Birmingham, UK: http://host-tracker.com/check_res_ajx/10185412-0

Update 2: The upstream provider of our upstream provider says this is solved now. We will get a report about the issue on Monday.

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Tips for choosing and protecting passwords

Most people feel that choosing a password is a hassle and consequently spend far too little time on it. However, establishing a good password regime can save you lots of time in the long run and lots of grief by preventing attacks by criminals — and it can even be fun!

How to easily create a great password

Just try to think of a password system that will help you create secure passwords that you can also remember easily. One simple example is to pick the first (or second, third, etc) letter in a sentence you invent. Then substitute some of them for symbols or add some numbers and special characters.

For instance, the sentence:

  • I really think that creating and remembering a complex password is a hassle!
  • …becomes Irttcaracpiah! when selecting the first letter of each word…
  • …which after replacing some of the letters with numbers or symbols ends up as the virtually unguessable Ir++c&racp1ah! (don’t use this password as your own!).

To make the password unique for each service you use, preventing a potential intruder from breaking into more than one account, add words or letters that are associated with each service.

Just think of a sentence and get creative — you can even use full sentences up to 64 characters if you want!

Password selection rules

In general, try to do the following when choosing a password:

  • Avoid using dictionary words and names.
  • Never use sequences of letters or numbers such as “qwerty” or “123456”.
  • Avoid familiar items that someone might guess (names, phone numbers, etc).
  • Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
  • Use 8 or more characters.

See also:

Protect your password

Once you have chosen a good password you need to protect it from possible attackers.

  • Avoid using one password for all your logins!
  • Try to choose a password you can memorize so you won’t have to write it down.
  • Never share your password with anyone.
  • Avoid logging in from public computers. If you do, then always use https://secure.runbox.com which provides encrypted transfer of all your data.
  • Check the Account page for any suspicious login attempts to your account.
  • Be careful opening email attachments from people you don’t know or trust — it might contain a computer virus, a key logger that will snatch your login information, or other malevolent programs.

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New function: Templates

After popular request we have implemented a new function: Webmail Templates! This means you can save and reuse templates from the Compose screen. Just click “Save template” in Compose and the template will appear in the new Templates folder at the top of your folder list (just refresh the page if it’s not visible).

The saved templates will remain in your Templates folder unless deleted manually.

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10 year anniversary Renewal offer

Today we have sent out an email to all open runbox accounts and their alternate addresses on file, with a special renewal offer celebrating the new webmail and the 10 year anniversary of runbox as a company. We hope that our users will try our new webmail if they haven’t already, and take the opportunity to create or extend a sub-account, free of charge.

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Runbox 5 in beta

After several months of working on Runbox 5 we are finally ready to invite everyone to try out the new Webmail!

Runbox 5 is a major upgrade to the Runbox Webmail service and includes several new features:

  • Improved look and feel in a faster and more responsive Webmail
  • Nested folder hierarchy with subfolders
  • Drag & drop messages
  • New Compose screen with a state of the art HTML editor
  • Drafts are auto-saved and can be synchronized over IMAP
  • Improved Preferences screen
  • Retrieve email from accounts at Gmail or Hotmail (over SSL)

Try it out at http://beta.runbox.com/mail or find out more in the Runbox 5 beta upgrade guide.

You can expect more improvements and upgrades in the time to come!

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Support for retrieval from Gmail and Windows Live Hotmail added

You can now use the Retrieve feature under Manager in runbox to retrieve mail from Gmail and Windows Live Hotmail accounts.

Gmail requires secure mode (SSL) for their POP3 service, which is now available as an option on the Retrieve page from the runbox Beta web interface. The settings for retrieving from Gmail can be found on the Retrieve help page.

Windows Live Hotmail are discontinuing the HTTP access method, which has allowed runbox users to retrieve mails from there via our Retrieve feature via a special setup. Instead, they now support regular POP3 access. The settings for retrieving from Hotmail can be found on the Retrieve help page.

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