Upgrade Instructions of Open eClass 2.1

The Upgrade Process

The new Open eClass version 2.1 retains backward compatibility (with previous versions). For that reason, you can upgrade an already installed platform from prior versions (1.7, 2.0) to the current 2.1 easily and quickly, following the upgrade instructions provided below. Keeping a safety record of the course contents and the database before beginning to upgrade is recommended.

WARNING!

Then, follow the steps below.




1st Step: Upgrading in Unix / Linux computers

All operations presuppose you have the administrator's rights (root) on your computer.

The following example presumes that the eClass platform is already installed on directory /var/www/html.

Due to some changes included by the new (2.1) Open eClass version you will have to delete the old and install the new one. To make sure that you old configuration remain intact you must do the following actions:

We consider that you have downloaded openeclass-2.1.tar.gz on the /tmp directory.

Having completed the previous steps, you will have installed the new eClass version (eClass 2.1) files successfully. Then, move on to the second step in order to upgrade the platform databases.

1st Step: Upgrading in Ms Windows Computers

The following example presupposes that eClass has already been installed to directory C:\Program Files\Apache\htdocs\ and that you have downloaded openeclass-2.1.zip.

Due to several changes included by the new (2.1) Open eClass version you will have to delete the old and install the new one. To make sure that you old configuration remain intact you must do the following actions:

As soon as the above have been completed, you will have installed the new eClass version files (eClass 2.1) successfully. Then, follow the second step so as to upgrade the platform database.

2nd Step: Database Upgrade

Before running the database upgrade script, make sure that MySQL is not operating in strict mode. In order to establish that, check if the parameter

--sql-mode
(in file my.cnf Þ my.ini for UNIX / Windows correspondingly) has been set. If it is set (e.g. --sql-mode=STRICT_TRANS_TABLES or --sql-mode=STRICT_ALL_TABLES) then you need to modify it to null (--sql-mode="").

For Unix/Linux systems only: The process of platform database upgrade includes changes on the config.php. As a result, you will temporarily need to change your access rights on the config.php file and the /config directory into read-write (chmod 664).

Then keystroke the following URL on your browser:

http://(url of eclass)/upgrade/

You will be prompted for the username and password of the platform administrator. After providing your personal details, you will be asked to change/correct contact details, as well as students' registration mode on the platform (free or applied registration). The database upgrade will begin afterwards. You will see several messages concerning your working progress. Probably you will not see any false messages. Note that depending on the number and content of courses, it is possible that the process will last for a long time.

In the opposite case (namely if error messages occur), then it is possible for a course not to be operating properly. Such error messages may occur if you have altered the structure of an eclass database table. Note (if possible) the accurate error message you saw.

If you face any problems with any course after the upgrade, contact us (eclass@gunet.gr). (admin@openeclass.org).

3rd Step: Successful Upgrade Check

In order to make sure that the platform has been upgraded, login as administrator and click on the "Open eClass Version". Version 2.1 has to be indicated. You can alternatively click on the "Platform Information" link on the homepage. Among all, version 2.1 of the platform will be indicated.

You are ready! The upgrade process has been completed successfully.

If you want to see the new features of the new version, go to CHANGES.txt text file. Read forward for further additional regulations (HTTPS, Latex etc).

Optional Further Configurations

Upgrading from Older Versions (1.5, 1.6)

For upgrading from older versions 1.5, 1.6 you have to do some changes manually. Starting from the course directories is now stored in a new directory named courses. Also the configurations file location (config.php) has changed, and is now included in a new directory named config. So, in order not to lose your previous configuration and all your eCourses files, please follow the instructions below.

For Unix / Linux Computers

For Ms Windows Computers