All right, so one of the more common complaints in the industry is that after a few weeks, the servers 'registration' goes down, the server 'feels off', and the rates aren't performing like they used to when you first got it. Think about it, this isn't news to anyone. When you buy a car brand new, do you expect it to run the same way after a month than it did when you first got it? Of course not. Here's a list of things to do to keep your server in tip top shape so you don't miss that ever important shot in the playoffs:
1. Restart the Server: And no, I don't mean execute and rcon quit and consider it done. That's all good and well for a temp fix, but that's not going to suffice. Take the 10 seconds, go to your control panel, and click the restart button once a day. I promise you, the time it takes to do this will save you tons of headaches when you can't figure out why the server isn't 'right'.
2. Don't edit the configs: Trust in your provider, they know what they're doing (for the most part). The rates and configs are the way they are for a reason, often times specific to the operating system they're running. Editing them *could* adversely effect performance. Unless you're confident you're more competent than you're provider (in which case you should choose a new one), don't touch
3. Don't load the server with plugins: Yes, mods are fun, so are plugins. Yes, they also give your server a unique feel and gameplay. Good, do it, but everything in moderation folks. You
DONT wan't to put 25 plugins on the server, it's going to run terribly if you do. Limit it to 5 or under, you'll be much happier.
4. Clear the logs: Don't keep unnecessary stuff hanging around, it's that simple. Be careful what you delete though, some files are imperative to a server working.
5. Stop it for a night: This is geared more towards private server owners, but pubs do apply. Give the thing a break, shut it down for a night. You don't let your PC run 24/7/365, so why should your server? You'd be amazed at the difference with a nights rest here and there for your trusty frag machine.
6. Ask your host for help: They're the pros folks, give them a shout. There's a reason they're hosting servers, and it's because they know them and know what they're doing. If you're unable to find the issue yourself, please, for everyones sake, ask them. They should be more than willing to help and be supportive, so why not take what you can get? Put your pride aside and give it a whirl
7. Get a reinstall: Okay, so all else fails. You're still not happy, and you've done 1-6. Ask your host for a reinstall, or do it yourself if the control panel allows. Remember the car analogy? This is the big difference here - you can get a new server install every week if you so please.
8. Ask Us!: We've been doing this for a long, long time. We've seen it all, fixed it all, and been through it all. Don't be shy, get a hold of us however you need and we'll take a peak for you! (and I promise, we won't steal or publish your private info. We've got the resources to host thousands of servers, we're set
)
So, there it is. Your guide to maintaining the pride and joy of your online gaming. Treat it right.
-brian
