Unrivaled customization and flexibility are a few of the main reasons why people choose dedicated server hosting over other options. However, if you’re not customizing your dedicated server to meet your specific needs, you may not be getting the most out of your hosting plan.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to optimizing your dedicated server? We’ve got some tips worth following.
1. Adjust Priority Settings
One of the easiest and most effective steps you can take to optimize a server is to adjust your priority settings. This will essentially allow you to control the order in which your server carries out specific tasks and for how long. Most servers, by default, run at “normal priority.” You have the option to change this setting to “high priority,” which can reduce page-loading times and cut down on overall latency.
Your specific priority options can vary depending on your server and operating system, so be sure to explore the possibilities and determine which is best for your needs.
2. Optimize JavaScript Delivery
If you’re experiencing unexplained lags in page-loading times and your site uses JavaScript, you may want to take steps to optimize JavaScript delivery (if you haven’t already). Without optimization in place, most browsers will automatically stop loading a page until a JavaScript file has been fully read. This process, knowing as JavaScript Render-Blocking, can result in slow page-loading times on your site.
By changing settings to defer the loading of JavaScript until the rest of the page has loaded, you can optimize page-loading times and ensure a better user experience. A similar process can be completed for CSS to further improve load times.
And remember, if your site uses JavaScript or CSS, you’ll want to revisit your coding regularly and streamline it whenever possible. This will reduce the overall file size for your site, which will improve speed and overall performance.
3. Make Security a Priority
Security can have a major impact on the speed and performance of your server; if you overlook it, it’s only a matter of time before your site is compromised by a data breach or other web attack. These incidents, such as DDoS attacks, can not only slow down your page-loading times but could even bring your entire server down.
By making security a top priority, you can reduce the risk of downtime, slow speeds, and other issues that can otherwise plague unprotected servers. If your dedicated server host offers any kind of DDoS protection, you’ll want to take advantage of this offering as well.
4. Consider a Proxy Server
Last but not least, consider setting up a proxy or back-up server for added peace of mind. That way, in the event that any of your site data is ever compromised, you can have back-ups of all your important files saved. This can keep your site running smoothly as you address the cause of the problem.
Customize Your Dedicated Server with Help from ReliableSite
These are just a few practical yet effective options for server optimization. Some technical knowledge will be useful in implementing some of these tips, but there are many tutorials and guides available online that can help walk you through them. And remember, you can always turn to our team at ReliableSite for guidance and support. We offer a wide range of hosting options to suit your needs and budget – and all of our dedicated servers are fully customizable. Contact us today to find out more our dedicated hosting services!