Proposed update for the server upgrade
May 2024
We have upgraded to CloudLinux V9
The original plan was to upgrade the server software using Migration software called Elevate.
In a perfect world this would have been seamless, but sadly the upgrade stalled at stage three out of four stages.
A fix was weeks away with no gaurantee this would solve the issue so we decided to migrate to a new server using Cloudlinux 9 instead of the original plan of CloudLinux 8.
CloudLinux 8 supported PHP 5.3 and PHP 5.5 but was also reaching end of life.
PHP 5.3 and 5.5
We have tried to accommodate clients using old versions of PHP and while the importance of getting away from these old versions. The rubber has now hit the road for the two users reliant on PHP 5.3 being Fastpage users.
The server now supports PHP 5.6 and upwards
As of my last update in 2023, the following versions of PHP have been deprecated and reached their End of Life (EOL). This means they no longer receive security updates or bug fixes, making them insecure for use in production environments. Here is a list of deprecated PHP versions starting from PHP 5.3:
PHP 5.x Series
1. **PHP 5.3**
– **Released:** June 30, 2009
– **EOL:** August 14, 2014
2. **PHP 5.4**
– **Released:** March 1, 2012
– **EOL:** September 3, 2015
3. **PHP 5.5**
– **Released:** June 20, 2013
– **EOL:** July 21, 2016
(Versions above are no longer supported on the server)
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4. **PHP 5.6**
– **Released:** August 28, 2014
– **EOL:** December 31, 2018
PHP 7.x Series
1. **PHP 7.0**
– **Released:** December 3, 2015
– **EOL:** December 3, 2018
2. **PHP 7.1**
– **Released:** December 1, 2016
– **EOL:** December 1, 2019
3. **PHP 7.2**
– **Released:** November 30, 2017
– **EOL:** November 30, 2020
4. **PHP 7.3**
– **Released:** December 6, 2018
– **EOL:** December 6, 2021
5. **PHP 7.4**
– **Released:** November 28, 2019
– **EOL:** November 28, 2022
PHP 8.x Series
– While PHP 8.0 and PHP 8.1 are actively supported as of 2023, it’s important to check the latest PHP lifecycle schedule for the most current information on supported versions. Typically, each PHP version receives active support for two years and security support for an additional year after that.
Current Recommendations
– **Use Supported Versions**: Always use a supported version of PHP to ensure you receive security updates and performance improvements. As of the latest update, PHP 8.1 and PHP 8.2 are the recommended versions.
– **Regular Updates**: Regularly update your PHP version to the latest stable release to maintain security and compatibility.
Checking PHP Version Lifecycle
You can always refer to the official PHP supported versions page to get the most up-to-date information on the lifecycle of PHP versions: [PHP Supported Versions](https://www.php.net/supported-versions.php).
Conclusion
All PHP versions from PHP 5.3 to PHP 7.4 have reached their End of Life and are considered deprecated. It’s crucial to upgrade to a supported version of PHP to maintain the security and performance of your applications.
WordPress Sites
WordPress sites using PHP versions lower than 7.4 cannot be upgraded to the latest versions of WordPress.
The later you leave upgrading the PHP version you will find it harder to upgrade.
PHP Compatibility and WordPress Versions – Make WordPress Core
End of Life for CENTOS 7 and CloudLinux 7
It is a changing world if you are in the IT industry.
If you have created bespoke applications outside of supported products like WordPress, then this may apply to you.
Centos 7 is a free fork of Redhat Linux.
As of the 30th of June 2024, Centos 7 reaches its End of Life (EOL).
This means the product will still work except no more updates for security and bug fixes for the operating system.
CloudLinux 7 is being forced to an EOL status in line with Centos 7
Bespoke Applications
If you have developed your own PHP code and your own MYSQL interface we just hope that you have used acceptable practices.
If errors are picked up and if time permits we will contact you to resolve the issue.
Our main focus has to be upgrading the MYSQL then forging ahead with upgrading Linux.
Fastpage CMS
We ceased development of the product on the 1st of December 2013.
This product is forced to run under PHP 5.3.
As the product is no longer supported any applications that happen to be using this and fail the MYSQL checker we will have no option to fail archive these applications and use a placeholder image.
As we have notified people of the EOL of Fastpage many times any of our time to resolve issues with Fastpage will need to update to a new CMS.