How to Improve Linux VPS Overall Performance?

Virtual private server technology has provided privacy and security that matches those of a dedicated server, however, the expenses are far smaller. VPS Linux or VPS Windows result in better overall performance as there is no need to share a server with other users and therefore experience system slowdowns, lags or downtime. Although Linux OS is versatile and robust enough for VPS, creating endless possibilities for business representatives, there are ways to improve Linux VPS performance for even more astonishing results. Let’s address ways on how to achieve them.

Disable Unnecessary Services

First, to improve the performance of VPS Linux, one basic step is enough – to shut down services that are not being used. In some cases, certain services run by default so they should be disabled manually. The fact is that services running in the background not only utilize RAM and CPU time, but they contribute to exposing VPS to potential remote attacks. Therefore, disabling them will not only benefit the performance but security as well.

Second, disable control panels until they are needed again – these are Webmin, Plesk, cPanel and other popular panels in Linux VPS. In doing so, one can save 120 MB of RAM. It is important to note that they can be turned on again via a PHP script or command line. This turn off helps to reduce RAM usage by nearly 40% and therefore enhances VPS Linux performance.

In addition, more of that is not required are a number of features in server software packages. After looking at the configuration files for Apache, decide which extra modules are required and disable the ones that are unnecessary. By doing so, one can increase the system memory and improve performance by shifting the resources to the software.

Keep Regular Updates

Even though regular updates are usually recommended to maintain the maximum security of VPS, some of the updates also contribute to better performance. In this case, it is especially important to update default kernel parameter settings to have applications running smoothly and effectively.

Kernel 2.4.x series message queue has a default value, therefore limiting simultaneous connections to a database. To enhance the performance of VPS Linux, keeping recommended values is highly suggested – they will allow database servers to work in an optimal manner.

Shut Down the GUI

To gain even better performance, it is the best decision to shut down GUI as all administration tasks can be carried out using the command line. Even if you need GUI to start your machine running, after your machine is set up, shut it down as you won’t need it afterwards. Instead of stealing recourses, set the run level on 3 rather than on level 5 which stands for graphical login. Nevertheless, GUI can always be started again manually so you don’t need to keep it running all the time.

Performance Commands to Know

There are several ways to follow the performance of Linux VPS using a few commands. With command “top” one can look at the data about the state of the host. This command demonstrates system load, number of running processes, current uptime, and memory usage. Command “vmstat” provides with the picture of IO, CPU, memory usage and processes. Both commands above updates automatically.

With “iostat” command, network file, system and CPU utilization reports are displayed. In case you want to check memory statistics, use command “free” – it will indicate both bytes and megabytes using -b and -m switches accordingly. Finally, one can collect or even record the performance data of Linux VPS by using “sar”.

The steps to improve your VPS performance are simple and easy to follow: first, disable any unnecessary services, control panels, keep the regular kernel and other updates and shut down the GUI. To observe your VPS performance use five major commands and regularly examine system load, uptime and memory. All these actions will certainly ensure the best VPS and Linux experience.