Dedicated Gaming Servers are crucial for multiplayer games that require smooth, uninterrupted gameplay. Most multiplayer games rely on a client-host who both plays and hosts the game at the same time. While simple, this setup causes performance issues such as lag, slow loading times, crashes, lost save files, and dropped games.

A dedicated server is an alternative hosting option that offers a much more stable and enjoyable gaming experience.

What Is a Dedicated Server for Gaming?

A dedicated gaming server is a computer that hosts a video game for a client. This type of server enables a reliable, stable, and fast connection to your favorite online games.

Dedicated game servers offer more processing, memory, and storage capabilities than other hosting solutions. Regardless of what game you play, the server always has enough resources to run the game fluidly.

A dedicated server is a popular option among companies wishing to create a stable online environment for their players. However, an individual can also set up a gaming server and create a private online playground. A server can run both single and multiplayer games.

Advantages of Dedicated Gaming Servers

Dedicated servers for gaming come with several benefits other hosting options can’t offer.

1. Lag-Free Performance

A dedicated gaming server has state-of-the-art hardware and an excellent internet connection. The gameplay is never laggy, so expect a smooth gaming experience.

2. Reliable Infrastructure

Dedicated machines have 24/7 server monitoring, so the game is always available. Even if the local grid goes down, most data centers have a backup generator that ensures the game’s availability.

You also do not have to worry about overheating when using a dedicated gaming server. No matter how much action the game sees, data centers have constant cooling systems that ensure the infrastructure can handle the workload.

3. High Levels of Customization

The admin defines the hardware required to run the game. You can choose the ideal processor and amount of RAM, plus set bandwidth speeds for an optimal gaming experience.

The admin is also free to define the game rules. The server owner has the freedom typical game hosting does not allow, from editing objectives and maps to changing character stats and traits.

You are also free to determine who can enter the game. Make the server available to the public, use it as a private playground, or create an online arena for a gaming team. The admin can also kick players out of the game for high ping or rule violation.

4. Ability to Handle High Traffic Demand

Dozens of players can play a game on a dedicated server without impacting performance. The admin is free to set a max cap on the number of players to prevent the game from getting crowded.

5. No Corrupt Save Files

Dedicated gaming servers are not prone to corrupt save files. The game saves your progress reliably, ensuring you can always pick the game up where you left off. A reliable save system is useful both for single and multiplayer games.

6. High Levels of Security

Dedicated servers are very secure because:

• The admin defines who can log into the device, so intruders cannot pose as a random player and gain access.
• A gaming server runs video games and nothing else. The server does not have any applications or emails in the background, so the attack surface is minimal.
• Hosting providers invest heavily in cybersecurity.

Disadvantages of Dedicated Gaming Servers

1. Complex setup: Setting up a dedicated gaming server requires strong technical skills. The process is complicated and time-consuming, plus you must follow cybersecurity best practices.
2. Regular maintenance: Like any server, a dedicated gaming server requires regular maintenance. You will have to monitor and maintain both the hardware and software of your device.
3. High expenses: Setting up a dedicated gaming server requires a costly investment in hardware equipment. Also, expect high electricity bills, especially if you plan to make the server available to the public.

How to Choose a Dedicated Gaming Server Provider?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a provider for your dedicated gaming server.

1. Game Compatibility

Some video games are more demanding than others. Ensure the package you choose is strong enough to run the game without stuttering or glitches. Check available documentation from the game developer to check the right hardware setup.

2. Hardware Quality

Your provider should offer SSDs and top processors to enable a smooth gaming experience. Look for tier-1 network service providers with top-of-the-line hardware.

3. Uptime Guarantees

A gaming server must be reliable. A proper uptime guarantee by the service provider ensures you will not experience game crashes or prolonged downtime. The provider should also have a 24/7 support team ready to assist you at all times.

4. Simple UI and Controls

A provider should simplify your job as an admin. Look for a hosting company that provides different control panels to administrate the game and hardware. Also, consider how quickly you need the server up and running and if the provider can meet your time frame.

5. Hosting Cost

Different providers charge different prices for hosting services. Compare prices between providers and pick a service that offers the most computing power for your budget.

6. Security Levels

Your hosting provider must have proper protection against cyberattacks. Look for a hosting plan that includes DDoS protection and robust firewalls.

7. An Optimal Online Gaming Experience

A dedicated gaming server is the most stable and enjoyable way to play multiplayer games. Set up a gaming server and create an ideal environment to play your favorite online games. Our dedicated server packages offer a wide range of options to tailor your perfect gaming experience.

In conclusion, using Dedicated Gaming Servers can dramatically improve your gaming experience by reducing lag, preventing crashes, and ensuring smoother gameplay. For a reliable and high-performance solution, consider checking out our specially optimized Minecraft VPS to take your gaming sessions to the next level.

The post Ultimate Dedicated Gaming Servers for Maximum Performance appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

What is a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is a server dedicated entirely to your website and its needs. Unlike a shared server, all of the resources are yours alone and no other websites have access to them. This leads to increased speed, reliability and security. In addition, you have full control over how the server gets set up, including hardware configuration and custom software options.

Why Do You Need a Dedicated Server?

A dedicated server is known as one of the highest performance hosting options. We like to think of a dedicated server like owning your own house. No one will bother you and you can do whatever you’d like. Whereas a shared server is much like living in condo where you have to share everything.

Dedicated servers allow for:

• 24/7 uptime
• Faster connection speeds
• Less risk of virus attacks
• Maintenance on the fly

Dedicated servers aren’t specifically designed for one purpose. They can be used to host websites, game servers, or anything that requires a place for multiple computers to store and read files.

What Are the Benefits of a Dedicated Server?

Security and Control

One of the first main benefits that a dedicated server takes care of is security.  If you are in a regulated industry and are charged with maintaining the privacy of customer’s data and information, you absolutely cannot share a server with another company.  This is because you cannot allow for the possibility that one of these other companies might be able to access your server’s data and customer information.

If you are on the same server with a spammer or malicious website meant to spread viruses or other malware, this can open your website up to security issues. Your website may even be shut down indefinitely if the authorities seize the server hardware because of another malicious site on the same server. If your website handles credit card transactions or other data that needs to be encrypted and closely guarded, you are better off with a dedicated server.

Each server has a unique IP address. Therefore, if you’re on a dedicated server, your website has its own IP address. But if you are on a shared server, your website will share the IP address with the other sites hosted on the shared server. And if one of those other sites is known to be a source of spam, your website’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) ranking may be negatively impacted because of its connection with suspicious content. Your website may even be blocked from search engines.

As a means of maintaining server security, you will be able to install the highest level of security available to you.  Not only will your data be secured, but also your applications and your customer database. One aspect that makes this so appealing for business owners is that you will have total control over your site, without having to bend to the needs of other businesses on your shared server or the configurations of your web hosting service.

No Shared Resources

With a shared server, you are at the mercy of the limitations placed by having to share resources. This means that the CPU processing power and RAM are all distributed (and not evenly) with the other sites on the server.

If a website on the server is running bad scripts that eat up lots of memory, then it can impact your website’s performance. The same is true if your server neighbors have a spike in website traffic. This can eat up the bandwidth on the server and slow your website down significantly. Additionally, shoppers may associate slow load times with lower quality. If your website takes too long to load, consumers may seek out your competitors’ sites instead.

With a dedicated server, however, you don’t have to share resources. The full capacity of the server is at your disposal and you won’t have to worry about someone else slowing down your site.

Increased Site Speed

With more resources available, elements can load faster. In addition to this, site speed yields several other benefits.

Improved SEO: It is well-known that site speed is one of the ranking factors Google uses to determine search engine ranking. Further, research has shown that they may be using “time to first byte” as the official means of measurement. What does that mean? In simple terms: a fast website will help you show up higher in Google search results, while a slow website will likely make you show up lower.

Your bottom line: Site speed has a direct impact on conversion rate, revenue, and user experience in the following ways:

• A slow site is less likely to get a lot of return traffic
• Every additional second added onto your load time results in 7% fewer conversions
• A one-second delay in response time can result in 11% fewer page views and a 16% loss in customer satisfaction
• 46% of people who abandon their shopping cart cite slow website speed as the reason
• Greater customization options: Having an entire server’s worth of resources to yourself means that you can likely add a lot of custom features (like video streaming or MP3s) without impacting your site’s speed. And your highly customized site will not only look great but will be memorable to visitors and create a great user experience.

Customization Possibilities

With a shared server, you have a “one size fits all” mentality when it comes to server configurations. But with a dedicated server, you can specifically configure your server to work best with your website. This can include configuration for a Content Management System (CMS) platform such as WordPress, Drupal or Magento for eCommerce.

Additionally, as you rent your own dedicated server and do not buy one, it is easier to upgrade as your website outgrows your current home. You don’t have to worry about paying for the server equipment, software, or for upgrades nor will you have to pay for IT to run the server.

How Do You Set Up a Dedicated Server?

Dedicated servers can be set up by yourself or by a third party. They’re typically more difficult to set up by yourself since they can require multiple downloads and a lot of preparation on your computer.

By going through a third party, you’ll receive dedicated server basics which typically include features like:

• Maintenance teams for your server
• The ability to customize it
• An online interface
• Stable uptime

How To Choose the Right Dedicated Server Plan

When it comes to choosing the right hosting plan, you must first understand what your needs are and what you’ll be using it for. For instance, a stand-alone blog would require far different resources than a thriving eCommerce store. Some reasons to choose a dedicated hosting plan include:

• Your website experiences very high traffic levels
• You plan on using lots of custom features, like streaming video or high-resolution images
• You have an increased need for security
• You anticipate a lot of growth in the near future

Once you’re certain you need a dedicated server, it’s time to choose the right plan. Here are some of the factors you should take into consideration:

• How powerful do you need your processor to be? In general, the more resources your site will need for features like custom applications or video-transcoding, the more powerful your processor should be.
• How much bandwidth do you need? If you anticipate a huge volume of traffic on a regular basis or you plan to use HD pictures or streaming multimedia files, you’ll need more bandwidth.
• How much memory do you need? Even if you don’t require a huge amount of memory for what you’re currently doing with your website, you really can’t have too much. In a nutshell, having more RAM helps your site load faster (and speed is always a good thing).
• Do you need a specific operating system? Many website owners don’t really care either way, but if you have a strong preference for either Windows or Linux, know that each one requires a different OS. You will also need a Windows dedicated server if you plan on hosting Microsoft IIS, MS, SQL, or ASP.NET.

Other Uses for Dedicated Servers

Hosting A Podcast

The marketing effects of a successful podcast is very tempting. Imagine thousands (or hundreds of thousands) of listeners engaging with your content every week. The low production costs of creating regular audio recordings entices newbies and professionals alike to get their piece of the action.

There are expensive podcast hosting solutions on the web that charge you a high fee for basically storing your audio files and syndicating your episodes. But you can do all of that for a fraction of the cost, and get all the bandwidth and space you need, on a dedicated server running WordPress. All you need to do is install a few plugins and your WordPress site will syndicate the episodes for you to whatever platform your listeners are using.

Be Your Own Web Host

Every business needs a website. What if you could earn money by selling hosting space? As an agency you can manage thousands of clients’ websites from within one dedicated server. Likewise, reselling hosting space is a great way for designers and developers to supplement their income and better manage their customers.

Create a Private Git Repository

You might be thinking, I could just use GitHub–it’s free, and now you can create private repositories (repos). But, keep in mind GitHub recommends keeping repos under 1GB and enforces a hard limit of 100GB. The purpose of this hard limit is to avoid large files clogging up their servers. But what if your project has a lot of large media files?

With your own dedicated server, space is not an issue. For example, InMotion Hosting’s introductory dedicated hosting package starts out with a 500GB SSD drive. And if you fill that up you can easily upgrade to double that space.

Before space even comes into account, security factors should take center stage. Even large-scale projects on Github have let a password slip and had to rush to mitigate possible security threats. Why risk it?

How to Choose a Dedicated Server Hosting Provider

Choosing the right dedicated hosting provider can be just as difficult as choosing the right dedicated server. Before making any decisions, you have to be sure that the services they offer fit your needs. Some factors to consider include:

• Server Stability: This is the measure of overall performance, accessibility, and usability. Bottom line? You want to go with a service that offers uptimes of at least 99.95% to minimize the chance of costly outages.
• Customer Support: Look for a dedicated server host that offers 24/7 customer support with a variety of contact options (such as telephone, email, and live chat). You will need someone to be available when you have a problem with your server (which you will) and the response time needs to be fast.
• Customization: Does the hosting provider offer both Linux and Windows options? Can you partition hard drive space as you wish? What type of hardware options are available?
• Security: Dedicated servers are inherently much safer than any of the shared options, but that doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe from hackers. To help ensure your site’s security, look for a provider that offers built-in security features.

To learn more and discover useful hosting and technology tips, visit our blog.

The post What is a Dedicated Server? appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

What is Docker platform actually? How would it benefit us? Docker is an open platform designed for building, distributing and running applications in a simple and efficient way. It allows you to isolate your applications from the underlying infrastructure, which enables faster, more reliable software delivery. With Docker, you can manage your infrastructure just like your applications. By leveraging Docker’s approach to packaging, testing and deploying code, you can greatly minimize the time between writing code and deploying it to production.

What is Docker Platform and How Does It Work?

Docker platform enables you to package and run applications in a loosely isolated environment known as a **container**. A container includes the application code, runtime, libraries and system tools required to run the application. Because everything is bundled together, the application behaves the same way regardless of where it is deployed. Containers are lightweight and include everything required to run an application, eliminating the need to depend on the host’s setup.

Docker works by using the host system’s operating system kernel while keeping each container isolated. Each container runs as a separate process, which means multiple containers can run on the same machine without interfering with each other. This makes it fast to start, easy to manage and resource-efficient.

Another key advantage of the Docker platform is portability. You can easily share containers with others, ensuring consistency and reliability across different environments. Whether you are running applications on a local machine, a cloud platform or a hybrid infrastructure, Docker helps maintain consistency across all environments.

What is Docker’s Toolset for Managing the Container Lifecycle?

* Develop your application and its supporting services safely inside containers for better consistency.
* Use containers as the core unit for testing and distributing your application reliably and efficiently.
* When ready, deploy your application to production either as individual containers or as part of an orchestrated service. This process works seamlessly across local data centers, cloud environments or hybrid setups.

What Are the Key Benefits of Using Docker Platform for Application Deployment?

1. Fast and Consistent Application Delivery: Docker helps make the development process faster and more reliable by letting developers work in consistent, standardized environments. Using containers, teams can package their applications and services so they run the same way everywhere — on a laptop, in testing or in production. This makes Docker perfect for continuous integration (CI) and continuous delivery (CD) workflows.
2. Portability Across Environments: Docker containers can run on any computer or server that has Docker installed, including local machines, cloud servers or a mix of both. This makes moving and scaling applications quick and easy.
3. Efficient Resource Usage: Containers share the host OS kernel, making them lightweight compared to virtual machines. This improves performance, reduces infrastructure costs and allows applications to scale quickly.
4. Enhanced Collaboration and Productivity: Docker ensures a consistent environment for developers, testers and operations teams. Sharing container images reduces environment-related issues and boosts team productivity.
5. Better Reliability and Recovery: Containers can be restarted or redeployed quickly, improving system reliability and minimizing downtime in production environments.

Here’s how Docker might look in practice:

• Developers build and test code locally using Docker containers, then share those containers with teammates.
• They push the same containers to a test environment to run both automated and manual tests.
• If any bugs show up, developers can fix them locally and redeploy the containers for retesting.
• Once everything checks out, deploying the updated version is as easy as pushing the new image to production.

In essence, Docker streamlines collaboration and ensures your apps run smoothly and consistently across every stage of development. Please refer this guide for Docker installation and deployment.

The post What is Docker Platform? 5 Powerful Benefits of Using Docker for Application Deployment appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

There are several things to think about when it comes to hosting. Selecting the right kind of hosting, matching the specifications of your website and navigating through a plethora of options are all essential duties. Choosing the best hosting for your website is, however, the most crucial stage in this process.

One hosting kind that might have piqued your interest is virtual private server (VPS) hosting and for good reason. There are many advantages of VPS hosting to this unique hosting arrangement, particularly for certain kinds of websites. VPS can be the greatest choice if you’ve outgrown shared hosting and are looking for something more adaptable and long-lasting.

In the next section, we will explore the complexities of VPS hosting, set it apart from other types of hosting and then examine the many advantages of VPS hosting offers for your website so you can choose whether it meets your needs.

What Exactly is VPS Hosting?

Before we discussed about advantages of VPS hosting provided, you should know what is VPS hosting first. VPS hosting, which stands for Virtual Private Server, might sound vague at first, but its purpose becomes clearer once you understand its function. VPS hosting is defined by its virtual aspect, which uses virtualization technology to create a virtual server on top of an existing physical server. A single physical server is effectively divided into numerous virtual servers.

Each of these virtual servers operates separately, with its own arsenal of server resources. This means that no RAM, CPU, or storage will be shared with other websites, even if they reside on the same physical server.

In contrast, shared hosting requires you to share a server with conceivably thousands of other websites. The risk of shared hosting is that other websites will negatively affect the performance of your site.

Let us imagine VPS hosting as staying in a high-rise housing complex. Although the main building is shared, every apartment is separate. You may design your space without worrying about how your neighbors’ housing will affect yours. The physical server relates to the building structure in this comparison, and each flat represents a single VPS server.

How Does VPS Hosting Operate?

The virtual server environment in VPS hosting is similar to that of a typical physical server. The physical server is divided into numerous virtual servers using virtualization technologies.

Each partition acts as an independent virtual server, allowing users to set up their operating system and software in precisely the same way as a regular dedicated server does. This partitioning method is similar to the manner in which a personal computer is partitioned to run multiple operating systems simultaneously.

Despite its virtual nature, a VPS server operates in the same way as a physical server. This reduces issues with other websites affecting the operation of your website. Choosing VPS hosting gives you secured server resources, that guarantee you’ll never have to share resources with other users. This is the one of the advantages of VPS hosting.

VPS vs Shared and Dedicated Hosting

Let’s compare them with other hosting options before explore advantages of VPS hosting:

Shared Hosting
Shared hosting includes combining server costs with hundreds of other users. It is user-friendly, but there is a possibility of one site using excessive server resources, perhaps impacting your site. Shared hosting enforces limitations on on-site capacity and traffic volume.

Dedicated Hosting
Dedicated hosting provides access to a complete physical server. While it provides unmatched power, performance, storage, and security, it is expensive and requires a greater level of expertise in technology for server maintenance.

Advantages of VPS Hosting

The following are the most important advantages of VPS hosting:

1. Enhanced Performance
As your website grows and traffic increases, performance can become a concern. One of the key advantages of VPS hosting is its ability to handle large volumes of traffic, ensuring fast loading speeds and minimal downtime. With VPS hosting, you have access to dedicated resources, so your website performs well even as it grows.

2. Improve Storage and Bandwidth
You will have access to extremely large amounts of bandwidth and storage with VPS hosting. This will assist in enhancing reliability (discussed below) as well as performance (discussed above). The quantity of server space you have will astound you if you’re moving from a shared hosting package. Extremely high traffic volumes can also be supported without any problems by the high bandwidth levels.

Media-rich multimedia websites, blogs with hundreds of posts, and much more can be supported by this additional space and bandwidth. Here’s a brief overview of the RAM, CPU, disc space, and bandwidth available at Server Gigabit: Server Gigabit VPS hosting pricing plans

3. Higher Degrees of Reliability
When you’re first starting out on the internet, shared hosting can be quite helpful. But, you might encounter issues concerning uptime because of the large number of websites that are crammed onto a single shared server.

Shared servers have eliminated many of the problems in the past, though. If you’re seeking high uptime and performance, it’s still not the greatest option.

You are the sole website utilizing the server’s resources when you have a VPS. Thus, the only reasons you might experience downtime are if you select a subpar hosting company or use more resources than what your package currently allows.

4. Greater Server Control and Customization
You may customize and control your server to greater depth with most VPS hosting services. Therefore, VPS can be the best option if you need a special operating system or server configuration that isn’t supported by a shared hosting package. Similar to dedicated hosting, you also receive privileged access to the server, meaning you can basically start from scratch and configure it to the exact specifications of your website.

For specific websites that need a certain software or server configuration, this is a need.

Certain kinds of websites—such as e-commerce websites—may profit from VPS hosting from the very beginning. Many eCommerce websites employ software or demand higher-level security measures, which may not work with shared hosting configurations. With Server Gigabit’s VPS hosting, you may customize your hosting configuration to precisely meet the specific needs of your website.

5. Capacity to Increase Your Server Setup
Additionally, VPS hosting is quite scalable. Thus, you can rely on VPS hosting to expand together with you if the volume of traffic to your website is increasing. As opposed to other hosting options, such as shared hosting, where you are forced to switch to a different kind of hosting once your plan’s limitations become exhausted.

Just simply need to click a button to expand your server’s resources while using VPS hosting. It’s also simpler to scale up and down your server resources. As a result, you can increase traffic during promotions or the hectic holiday season, then decrease it when regular traffic levels return.

VPS hosting can be your best option if your website has fluctuating traffic levels or if traffic is always increasing.

6. Less Expensive Than Dedicated Hosting
Many website owners are unable to afford dedicated hosting because it is usually among the priciest hosting options available. However, you may get the same amount of features with VPS hosting without having to make a large price commitment. While the size of the server may not be as enormous, it will still be more than sufficient for a great deal of website owners.

Whatever portion of the server’s resources you’re utilizing at any one time, you pay for the full server when you use dedicated hosting. But with advantages of VPS hosting, you’ll only pay for the resources you’re actually using because you have more control over the server’s resources.

Because of this, it is more affordable than dedicated hosting—even at the initial monthly fee.

7. Get Support From a Skilled Tech Team
Running your site on a VPS server is a little more technical in nature. It’s a step up from shared hosting, which is incredibly easy to manage on your own. If you run into an issue with your server, or your site goes offline for a mysterious reason you’ll want to ensure there’s a quality support team that can help you out.

Most VPS hosting providers will have a technical support team that can assist you. However, some providers also offer advanced technical support just for their VPS customers. No matter your technical proficiency it can be helpful to have a support team to rely upon when you need it the most.

8. Higher Levels of Security
You will have stronger levels of protection right out of the gate because your website will be the only one using a single physical server. That’s only the start, too. To make your website a secure haven, you’ll also have the option to implement firewalls, custom security software, and any other security features you need.

Higher security levels are a hallmark of VPS hosting. Like dedicated hosting, which can provide you with some of the safest hosting available, it’s usually comparable.

The advantages of VPS hosting include the ability to install custom security software, set up firewalls, and take other security measures to safeguard your website.

Is VPS Hosting Right for Me?

When consumers outgrow their first shared hosting plans, they typically upgrade to VPS hosting. This type of hosting provides you with more control over your hosting environment, as well as additional server storage and bandwidth. With this, you can easily host larger sites with huge visitor counts.

However, certain website owners may require VPS hosting from the beginning. For example, if you’re running an eCommerce website or a site that requires higher levels of protection, it’s a good idea to start with VPS hosting right away.

The majority of website owners will progress to VPS hosting. When you hit the boundaries of shared hosting and notice a drop in performance, it’s time to upgrade. Unless you have a large budget and want a dedicated server, VPS will most likely be your best alternative.

Here’s a quick rundown of the advantages of changing to VPS hosting for your website:

• • A more dependable and faster server for high uptime and fast loading rates.
  • Access to a set number of server resources.
  • The opportunity to increase server resources as your website expands.
  • Isolation from other websites, so that another website does not have an adverse effect on yours.
  • Increased security and server customization.

Hopefully, you now have a thorough advantages of VPS hosting that it can give to your website, allowing you to make an informed decision about whether or not this type of hosting is right for you.

The post What are the 8 Advantages of VPS Hosting for Your Website? appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD) can crash your site. Learn effective methods to fix WSoD, restore your website and prevent future issues.

The WordPress white screen of death (WSoD) is the most terrifying thing that can happen to a web administrator. Panicking and wondering if all your effort has been in vain is a normal reaction. Still, most Content Management Systems (CMS) consider this to be a standard WordPress error.

The white screen of death might eventually become a thing of the past thanks to WordPress’s cutting-edge innovations. Here are a few easy ways to restore your WordPress website until such time as this development takes place.

What is the WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD)?

A white screen of death (or “WSoD”) error occurs when a user or website owner discovers that their device is not displaying a web page, but rather a blank white screen. The message that appears when a browser encounters an error. To better grasp it, consider this example:

When an HTTP 500 error occurs in Google Chrome, the error message typically reads, “This page isn’t working and cannot handle the request.”

In contrast, Mozilla Firefox displays a plain white screen that shows no indication of the issue. Whichever kind of error message appears, it takes away from the appeal of the website.

Reasons Behind the WordPress White Screen of Death Error

A WordPress white screen of death problems cannot be attributed to a single error. Such issues are caused by numerous database-related issues, PHP errors, and PHP code issues. These include overwritten PHP memory limits, plugin incompatibilities, and corrupted files.

The website manager may occasionally be unable to access the WordPress dashboard due to an issue on the back end. In this case, the website owner is unable to update or maintain the content, even though it may be live.

The primary problem with a white screen of death error is that it can be challenging to identify its underlying cause. To uncover the full problem, a web administrator or owner needs to dig deeper.

However, don’t forget to backup the site files before attempting to fix the problems.

Ways to Fix a WordPress White Screen of Death Error

The first thing you would do if you encountered the WordPress white screen of death error is to attempt to figure out how to fix it right away. Not to fret! We’ve got you covered. The following are some of the greatest options that will enable you to quickly fix WordPress errors:

1. Use the WordPress dashboard to retrace your steps.

Occasionally, a small mistake made while editing your WordPress website can be the cause of the white screen of death problem. Retracing all of your actions while working on the website is the only way to fix the fatal error.

The following questions may be of assistance to you:

• When you encountered the WordPress white screen error, what were you doing?
• Were you attempting to install a plugin folder or theme, or were you coding?
• Did any other team members happen to be working on the website at the moment the WordPress white screen appeared?
• If so, what were they doing on the internet platform?
• Did you try to change any of the database’s settings?
• If you have determined all pertinent answers to your queries, attempt to reverse them with the techniques listed below.

2. Clearing up the browser cache.

Browser caching is a technique used by websites to improve and speed up user browsing. However, the cache tends to fill up with pointless cookies and data every day. The problem might be solved quickly if the browser’s cache is cleared. The following are the steps to empty the Google Chrome browser cache:

To begin, click the three dots in the upper-right corner and choose Tools.

The option to clear browsing data is checked.

You will be taken to a page where all of your browsing history, data, and cookies are accessible.

Choose the pictures and files you wish to remove.

WordPress plugins can be used by dashboard users to remove all cache files. Check the website again to see if the error has been fixed after deleting all of the cache files. WordPress caching features are also seamlessly provided by many high-quality servers, such as Server Gigabit, to eliminate unnecessary files. Use alternative techniques if the error persists.

3. Increase WordPress PHP file memory limits.

PHP is the foundation upon which WordPress operates. For the task to be completed efficiently, both of these layers need a lot of memory. A WordPress plugin needs the memory of the server to operate properly each time it launches.

Occasionally, the memory limit is exceeded, leading to 500 errors on the internet server and a white screen of death. As a result, additional memory must be allocated. Using the file manager option or the FTP client are the two ways to raise the memory limit. Here are the actions that will assist you:

Using WordPress, open the wp-config.php file and select view/edit. Next, add the following line at the end of the PHP file:

define ('WP_MEMORY_Limit,' '64M');

In the event that this method is ineffective, you can raise the WordPress PHP memory limit by using .htaccess files. Put the line after this:

php_value memory_limit 64M

If you still need more memory and are unable to get enough, the application might experience problems. Perhaps too many resources are being used by the themes or plugins.

4. Switch back to WordPress’s default theme.

Try changing from the current WordPress theme to your default theme if you are unable to increase your memory limit and nothing else seems to be working. Occasionally, a corrupted file may have caused your current theme to be improperly installed, out of date, or incompatible with your plugins.

Using your default theme could be the best solution you’ve been looking for to deal with such problems. If you are in control of the WordPress admin dashboard, take the actions listed below:

Click the dashboard’s Appearance>Themes option.

Choose any WordPress default theme you like, like Twenty Nineteen.

Examine the website to see if the death issue’s white screen is still present.

If you are unable to access the admin dashboard, you have another choice:

After launching the public_html folder, navigate to the wp-content folder.

Find the themes folder and append “_old” to the end of the folder name that corresponds to your active theme. This deactivates the active theme.

Double-check your website to see if the white screen issue has been fixed. If the issue has been fixed, get in touch with the theme developer and request the most recent version of the theme.

5. Look through the plugins folder in WordPress.

The plugins folder is where you should look for issues if you have determined that your WordPress theme is not the source of them. The white screen error is probably going to appear if you have updated or added a new directory for WordPress plugins.

It’s not a given that you would be aware of the update beforehand. Sometimes users don’t notice the difference until after making some adjustments. Whether or not you were aware of the update beforehand, the plugin problem needs to be resolved.

First, use an FTP client or file manager to navigate to the wp-content folder.

To be certain that one of your plugins is the cause of the white screen, you must rename the plugins folder and deactivate every plugin at once in that location.

The task will be accomplished by renaming the folder.

Check to see if your website has been restored by logging in with the admin dashboard after deactivating your plugins.

After logging into the WordPress dashboard, explore each plugin on your screen to find out which one caused the error. Upon identifying the problem’s origin, get in touch with the developer via the WordPress plugin directory if you need any extra assistance.

6. Solve the file permissions issue.

Within WordPress, each file or folder is subject to a set of permissions. These permissions can occasionally result in an error and a white screen of death issue. However, resolving file permission issues is labor-intensive and calls for a skilled editor.

Should something go wrong when modifying the permissions, hacking attempts could become easier and your WordPress website more open to attack. When attempting to manually fix the file permissions issue, bear in mind the following basic guidelines:

For all files, set 644.

You can define the wp-config.php files as either 644, 600, or 660.

Adjust the folder and subfolders to 755.

7. Examine the admin dashboard.

The white screen error typically affects both the front and back ends of the website. However, the problem might be limited to the WordPress admin screen. If there is a blank page on the wp-admin screen, there could be an issue with the front end of the entire website.

In a different scenario, an error message that can give you all the details about the problem will appear on your white screen. It’s also a good idea to check admin emails for any “technical difficulties.”

WordPress will alert you if a theme or plugin is installed that is causing issues so you can fix it.

8. Consider every WordPress integration.

There are more factors at play than just plugins and themes when it comes to WordPress white screen issues. Integrations such as SSL certificates and CDNs may also be to blame for the error. It typically occurs when an incorrect set of integrations is utilized.

For instance, if the SSL certificate provider and the CDN certificate provider are different, the website may crash. Therefore, deactivate anything you installed in the last 48 hours that altered the WordPress platform to see if the problem has been fixed.

If it does, get in touch with your service provider to discuss additional integration options. To use the service, look for any third-party tool you can find until you figure something out.

9. Examine the core WordPress files.

Your website can be quickly corrupted by a single incorrect line or a missing core file. Check the main files on the website; you must have access to the file manager.

Select the public_html folder by clicking on it in the file manager. Make sure to look for the .htaccess and wp-config.php files. Download a fresh WordPress installation file and add two files to the file manager if you are unable to find them. Alternatively, one could search for corrupt core files.

All of the modifications you made to the core files have to be undone. Next, try refreshing the WordPress page to check if the website is experiencing a white screen of death. If the problem has been fixed, it is evident that the error was caused by a corrupted core file. Replace the file on your WordPress website and install a new one.

10. Switch to the debugging mode.

If nothing appears to help, try debug mode and dig deeper. You can check out every error that has happened with your website files by using this. You must first open the wp-config.php file in order to activate the WordPress debugging mode. Put the subsequent line there:

define ('WP_DEBUG', false);

You have to reload your page and change this statement from “false” to “true.” You can add the line mentioned above to the top if it doesn’t already exist. Following this, you’ll see a blank white screen with some prompt error messages. This is a minor enhancement that can assist in identifying the problem.

11. Make lengthy pages and posts more normal.

It’s possible that the white screen of death error is simply hovering over pages and posts that are too lengthy. You must add the following code to your wp-congig.php file and raise the recursion limit in order to fix this problem:

ini_set ('pcre.recursion_limit',20000000);

ini_set ('pcre.backtrack_limit',10000000);

This will increase the PHP file’s text processing capability and make the lengthy pages and posts normal.

12. Auto-update issues.

Updates for WordPress can frequently fail, especially if the server timeout occurs. While it can occasionally be resolved on its own, a white screen could result. The WordPress website enters “maintenance mode” when it utilises the automatic update mode.

The website might become unresponsive while in this mode. To resolve this problem, a manual fix is required. The steps to resolve the issue are as follows:

Using the FTP client files or the cPanel account provided by the hosting provider, go to the root directory.

Next, locate the .maintenance file by opening the public-html folder.

When updating, WordPress typically uploads the .maintenance files and then deletes them when it’s done. Select and remove any .maintenance files that you come across. Reload the page after that.

Should the upload be successful, your WordPress website will resume its normal operation.

13. Contact the company that hosts your website.

It’s time to give your web hosting company a call if you’ve tried all of the aforementioned solutions and nothing is helping. Their support staff will offer details on all potential modifications to your website and server.

Any other website using the same server could be consuming resources, or there might be a server-side issue causing the issue. Either way, everything will be taken care of by your web host. It is preferable to move to a new hosting company if the same issue keeps coming up.

Numerous hosting companies, such as Server Gigabit, offer their clients a specialized, safe hosting option free of ongoing problems.

Tips to Prevent the Issue from Occurring Again

If certain essential actions are not taken to prevent it, the WSoD issue might resurface. You can investigate the following points to stop the issue from happening again:

• Install a specific plugin that can assist you in restoring the data, and make sure to backup your data every day.
• Always start your site’s testing in a staging area.
• Recognize all of the impending changes.
• Enforce stringent user control to verify who edited what and when.

Conclusion

When all you see on your website is a blank white screen, it’s normal to become concerned. It can seem exhausting to put in so much effort into building a successful online platform. The white screen of death is one of the most frequent WordPress errors, despite the fact that it may seem like a difficult task.

You can fix any white screen errors in WordPress using the aforementioned methods. These foolproof techniques, which range from testing your plugins and themes to recovering corrupted core files, can help you fix issues and improve your WordPress website.

The post Methods to Fix WordPress White Screen of Death (WSoD) appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

The Windows Command Prompt is largely ignored by users these days since the graphical interface can accomplish almost anything. It’s simpler, isn’t it? So why does Windows still have a prompt?

It is still relevant even though it is nearly 50 years old. Instead, it’s highly well-liked and highly helpful to many. Being enduring over time is enough justification to become acquainted with it. Even in this day and age, it remains the best method for completing many tasks. It’s also fairly simple to use.

Alright, let’s get started! We’ll walk you through how to use the Windows prompt command line, go over the fundamentals of the command prompt Window, and provide you with a detailed reference of the most frequently used CMD commands.

What Is Windows Command Line?

An operating system (OS) or program’s text-based user interface (UI) that allows you to carry out different tasks is called a command prompt or prompt. You can, for example, use your computer to interact with it, manage files and directories, execute programs, script, automate, and carry out other simple and complex tasks.

Certain operating systems only give you a CLI, but others may give you both a CLI and a GUI.

Under Microsoft Windows, OS/2, eComStation, ArcaOS, and ReactOS, the default command-line interpreter is the Command Prompt, also known as cmd.exe. Better put, it runs the commands you enter into the Windows operating system, much like Shell does on Unix-based systems and Terminal does on macOS.

Shells, or programmes that let you give commands to a computer, are what both CLIs and GUIs are. But a CLI isn’t the same as a GUI because a GUI lets you use graphical elements—like menus and icons—instead of text to interact with the system.

History of CMD Commands.

Text-based commands date back to the days of Windows Personal Computers. Early Windows operating systems lacked a mouse cursor and other GUI components, and users could only interact with them via CLIs.

Question: What is the date on which the CMD commands were made accessible?

Answer: In December 1987, the Windows Prompt was made available. Since then, Microsoft’s design has essentially remained the same. However, in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, we formally recognize them as CMD commands.

The commands were referred to as DOS commands in previous iterations, such as Windows 98/95. Clients used the MS-DOS Prompt to run commands, and Windows versions up until the 2000s integrated MS-DOS. Later, in 2001, it was renamed Command Prompt, beginning with Windows XP.

Why Would You Use The Command Prompt?

Because of how obsolete text commands are in today’s streamlined operating systems, many users haven’t even touched the Windows Command Prompt. Indeed, if you are accustomed to the graphical user interface (GUI), you may find it inconvenient to carry out certain tasks, like managing files and folders via the command line.

Nevertheless, the command line comes in very useful for a lot of things, like finding your IP address. Furthermore, even though it functions on a fundamental level, the CMD is actually the more potent option.

It reduces the amount of time needed to complete a new task by condensing dozens of GUI clicks into a single line. Power users also like it because it allows them to communicate directly and gives them more control over their computers.

You can carry out complex operations with the command window, like making taskbar-pinning shortcuts, gaining access to important data, handling security concerns, and troubleshooting Windows errors. Additionally, you have access to portions of the operating system that the graphical user interface does not provide.

Finally, not only does this list of commands work with Windows, but it also works with Linux, macOS, and a host of other operating systems. Therefore, even if you move to a different OS in the future, having learned them once might still be useful.

How To Open the Windows Command Line?

There are several ways to launch the Command Prompt in Windows:

• • Start Menu > Type “Command Prompt” > Press Enter

• • Start Menu > Type “CMD” > Press Enter

• • Press Win + R > Type “CMD” > Press Enter

• • Right-click the Start Menu > Choose Command Prompt
  • Press Win + X > Choose Command Prompt

Depending on your Windows settings, the Command Prompt in the Start Menu may also show up as Windows PowerShell or Windows Terminal. Both are compatible with CMD commands and have greater power.

However, keep in mind that some commands call for administrator privileges. Make sure you select the Admin option from the menu in order to run some of the commands and open a command prompt. Holding down Ctrl + Shift during launch will grant you administrator permissions for the other CMD opening methods.

How To Use the Windows Command Line?

You’ll discover a lot as soon as you launch the command prompt.

Your Windows version is displayed in the first line. That’s 10.0.19045.2486 in my instance. Additionally, take note of the third line, which reads C:Users[Username]>. If CMD depends on location, it relates to the Windows user and indicates the location of where your commands will be executed. On the other hand, some CMD commands are generic. So it won’t matter where you are.

Question: In CMD, how many commands are there?

Answer: You can use about 100 commands, though the precise number varies based on your Windows version.

The instructions do not depend on the case. However, make sure you type the command in correctly as you are issuing it directly to them. The system won’t be able to comprehend you if not. But fear not—a typo cannot really hurt you. You will receive the following message if Windows is unable to recognize the command: ‘[Command]’ is not recognized as an operable program, batch file, internal or external command.

But entering the incorrect command certainly has consequences. Windows will carry out the command right away if it is recognized. It would therefore be wise to take your time and make sure everything is correct. Furthermore, unless absolutely necessary, do not use the admin Command Prompt.

Windows Command Prompt Cheat Sheet

The most frequently used Windows OS commands are finally covered. To get the most out of CMD without feeling overwhelmed, keep the list close at hand. You can print it off or keep it open on your desktop.

Basic Commands

Several of the command prompt window’s commands are easy for beginners to use, even if you have never used them before. To help you begin with the fundamentals and expand your knowledge, here is a brief summary:

• • • Any command/?: Gives you information about the specific command and what it does
    • ARROW DOWN: Enables you to move forward in history toward the most recent command
    • ARROW UP: Enables you to step through the last called commands from the most recent one
    • call: Tells batch programs from one another
    • cd (change directory): Displays the name of or changes the current directory
    • chkdsk: Scans a disk for errors and delivers a status report
    • cls: Clears the contents of the Command Prompt
    • color: Applies the default console colors
    • Ctrl+A: Moves the caret to the beginning of the line
    • Ctrl+C: Cancels a command you are running
    • Ctrl+E: Moves the caret to the end of the line
    • Ctrl+K: Deletes all characters after the caret
    • Ctrl+L: Clears the screen
    • Ctrl+U: Deletes all characters before the caret
    • date: Displays or sets the date
    • del [file name]: Deletes the selected file
    • dir (directory): Lists all the files and subdirectories in the directory you are currently in
    • echo: Presents messages or turns command-echoing on/off.
    • exit: Quits the current echo setting or the CMD.EXE program
    • find: Searches for a text string in one or multiple files
    • help: Lists many common commands you can use
    • hostname: Prints the name of the current host
    • ipconfig: Provides a network overview for your current connection
    • mkdir [new folder name] (make directory): Creates a new folder
    • pause: Suspends processing of a batch program and displays the message
    • ping: Checks if your computer can reach a remote destination and how long it will take
    • prompt: Specifies a new command prompt
    • rmdir [folder name] (remove directory): Deletes an entire folder if it’s empty
    • sfc: Windows detects and fixes corrupt system files *you need admin access
    • TAB: Autocompletes what you have been writing
    • title: Sets the window title for the command prompt window

It’s time to advance your skill once you’ve mastered the fundamentals. Let’s review the most often used CMD commands for various Windows tasks.

Files & Folders Commands

• • • assoc: Displays or modifies file extension associations
    • attrib: Displays or changes file attributes
    • comp: Compares the contents of two files or sets of files
    • compact: Displays or alters the compression of files on NTFS partitions
    • expand: Expands one or more compressed files
    • fc: Compares two files or sets of files and displays their differences
    • find: Searches for a text string in one or multiple files
    • findstr: Searches for string patterns in files
    • md: Creates a directory
    • move: Moves and renames files and directories
    • openfiles: Lists or disconnects files and folders opened on a system *you need admin access
    • print: Prints a text file
    • ren (rename): Renames one or multiple files
    • replace: Replaces files
    • robocopy: Creates robust file copy for Windows
    • tree: Graphically displays the selected folder structure of a drive or path
    • type: Displays the contents of one or more text files
    • xcopy: Copies files and directory trees

Disk & Partition Commands

• • • chkdsk: Checks a disk and displays a report
    • chkntfs: Displays or modifies the checking of the disk at boot time
    • convert: Converts a FAT volume to NFTS
    • format: Formats a disk for use with Windows
    • label: Creates, changes, or deletes the volume label of a disk
    • recover: Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk
    • vol: Displays the disk volume label and serial number, if they exist

Network Commands

• • • arp: Displays and modifies the IP to physical address translation tables used by ARP (Address Resolution Protocol)
    • bitsadmin: Creates, uploads or downloads jobs and monitors their progress
    • ftp: Transfers files to and from a computer running an FTP server service
    • ftype: Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations
    • netsh: Configures, controls, and displays network components
    • netstat: Displays protocol statistics and current TCP/IP network connections
    • route: Manipulates network routing tables
    • systeminfo: Displays OS configuration information for a local or remote machine, including service pack levels

System Information & Configuration Commands

• • • driverquery: Enables you to display a list of installed device drivers *you need admin access
    • powercfg: Enables you to control power settings on a local system
    • shutdown: Turns off computer
    • time: Displays or sets the system time
    • ver: Displays the Windows version

You’ll save a tonne of time if you combine commands to run multiple commands at once rather than waiting for each one to finish separately. Commands can be combined by separating them on the same line with a semicolon (;).

Additionally, you have the option to use “only if.” The command and its predecessor are linked. The command that comes after “&&” won’t finish until the preceding command has also been executed successfully. Conversely, if the command comes after “||,” it won’t finish until the one before it has failed.

If you feel that this is insufficient and you would like to expand your understanding of related subjects, you can find a comprehensive list of all commands along with alphabetical explanations on the official Microsoft page.

How To View Your Command Prompt Window History?

The fact that the Command Prompt only saves information from the currently open session is one of its primary drawbacks. Thus, theoretically, you won’t be able to go back and review what you did if you followed instructions and restarted your computer.

Thankfully, there are a few tricks, and we’ve chosen to add them to our cheat sheet for the Windows command prompt as extras.

• First, you can use the keyboard shortcut:
• • • Open a command prompt
    • Run commands
    • Press the F7 key
    • Check the list of recent commands
    • Press the one you want to execute again
    • Hit enter

• Second, you can search the command history:
• • • Open a command prompt
    • Execute commands
    • Press the F7 key
    • Check the list of recent orders
    • Press the F8 key
    • Type what you remember from the line
    • Press the F8 key again
    • If you don’t like the result, press the F8 key again to view another entry

• Next, you can use the doskey:
• • • Launch the Prompt
    • Type doskey/history

It will let you edit command lines, remember commands you’ve typed before, and even make macros.

• Last but not least, you can export your prompt history to file:
• • • Run the CMD as an Administrator
    • Type doskey /h > c:\cmd_history.txt
    • Change the c:\cmd_history.txt to represent the file path and name you want to export your current history to

The Next Step: Windows PowerShell

An alternative to the Windows Command Prompt is PowerShell. It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS and consists of a scripting language, configuration management framework, and command-line shell.

Question: When was PowerShell released?

Answer: In November 2006, Microsoft released PowerShell 1.0 for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003 SP1, and Windows XP SP2.

The company first made PowerShell available as an optional component that included a number of helpful commands, or cmdlets. Better integration of the cmdlets with their products, including batch files and VB scripts, was their aim.

However, the business just declared that PowerShell will replace CMD.EXE. Thankfully, if you’d rather, you can continue to use the Command Prompt.

Windows Command Prompt vs. Windows PowerShell

The most recent and advanced iteration of the Command Prompt is called PowerShell. You can essentially use it to perform the same commands as CMD. It also makes administrative tasks easier to complete.

Let’s take a quick look at some of their differences so you can better understand both applications.

Command Prompt:

• • • Works with Batch commands exclusively
    • You cannot create aliases for commands
    • You cannot pass the output from a command on to other commands
    • Output comes out in the form of text
    • No separate ISE
    • Requires an external plugin for WMI interaction
    • It doesn’t support Linux OS
    • You can only run console-type programs
    • It cannot connect to Microsoft cloud products

PowerShell:

• • • Works with Batch commands and PowerShell cmdlets
    • You can create aliases for cmdlets or scripts
    • You can pass the output from a cmdlet on to other cmdlets
    • Output comes out in the form of an object
    • Has a separate ISE
    • It can integrate directly with WMI
    • Fully supports Linux OS
    • You can run all types of programs
    • It can connect to Microsoft cloud products

Which one then should you study? Depending on what you need. PowerShell is a rather recent release. It offers greater compatibility and options, is simple to understand, and many advancements will come quickly. However, the majority of the tasks can be completed with the outdated and all-timer CMD.

Conclusion

Despite being a controversial claim, a CMD is actually far more capable than a GUI. Even better, it’s not just meant for sophisticated or seasoned users. On the contrary, actually. Beginners can also benefit from the Windows prompt’s ease of use and efficiency in terms of time.

In the end, it is worthwhile to become familiar with the Windows command prompt. And the best way to maximise your Windows experience is to start with our cheat sheet for the Windows command prompt!

The post Windows Command Prompt – The Ultimate 2023 Edition appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

Google began including page speed as one of its ranking factors in 2018 due to the importance of page speed to user experience.

According to a Google page speed benchmark report, if the load time increases from one second to seven seconds, there is a 113% greater chance that a mobile site visitor will leave the page. Therefore, whether developing a website for desktop or mobile use, load speed is critical to Search Engine Optimisation (SEO).

Google claims that the speed and bounce rate of your website are inversely related. As the load time grows, the likelihood that users will leave your website even before it loads rises significantly.

Google advises web developers and site owners to prioritize user-centric performance metrics for the web pages in order to prevent that. It places a strong emphasis on using resources to assess web page performance and implement features that will improve user experience, such as Google’s PageSpeed Insights and Google Lighthouse.

This post explains how to maximize page conversion with Google PageSpeed Insights’ features and how to take the speed test.

How Do Conversions Affect PageSpeed?

Google reports that if a mobile page takes longer than three seconds to load, fifty-three percent of visitors will leave. Page speed, according to Google, is two things:

• • • The amount of time needed for above-the-fold content to fully display
    • The duration of time required by a browser to fully render a page

However, there are a number of reasons why a page might take longer to load than expected, including poor mobile user networks, cellular data, cache buildup, web hosting services for a domain, etc.

Although there are many uncontrollable factors that affect page speed, the owner of the website can still optimize certain aspects, like excessive JavaScript, videos, content, etc.

When displaying a website for SERPs, Google takes into account its overall performance SERP (Search Engine Results Pages). This covers all elements—including page speed—that have an impact on the user’s experience. Page speed is therefore a crucial SEO element that demonstrates your commitment to producing a top-notch user experience.

When a website is properly optimized, it can have a remarkable conversion rate that includes a fast load time.

According to Google’s research, there is a 32% increase in the bounce rate when the load time increases from one to three seconds. The bounce rate rises to 90% if the page loads in five seconds or more, and it even surpasses 120% if it takes ten seconds or longer.

PageSpeed Research by Google

The relationship between load time and conversion rate is explained by a Google study. According to the study, it takes an average of 22 seconds for a mobile landing page to load.

It takes nearly seven times as long as the average visitor can tolerate, which is why 53% of users leave the page before it even loads. A lagging landing page causes a website to lose more than half of its prospects.

Additionally, researchers have discovered a correlation between conversion rate, website load times, and page weight (based on data size) thanks to SOASTA’s machine-learning technology. The likelihood of conversion decreases by 95% if a page has 6000 elements instead of the minimum 400, including text, images, and other elements.

In simple terms, a heavier page causes poorer conversion and slower loading times.

It is not always easy to determine the cause of a page’s slow loading speed. While the excessive amount of text and images is clearly visible, some problems, such as excessive CSS and JavaScript scripts and other redirects, are more difficult to identify.

Fortunately, you can find out why load times increase by using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights.

Google’s PageSpeed Insights (PSI) Explains

Google PageSpeed Insights is an automated tool for performance analysis that assesses the content of web pages for both desktop and mobile versions of websites.

This speed test calculates the loading time, returns a page speed score, and suggests possible optimizations. PSI provides a thorough score that explains how Google evaluates a website’s technical performance.

Pro Tip: Keep in mind that Google only takes into account site speed when determining rankings; the Google PageSpeed Insights score is not taken into account. The score is merely a broad approximation of the page’s functionality.

PSI generates a combined score for a webpage by combining lab and field data. While field data is useful for gathering real-world information, its metrics are constrained. Although gathering lab data in a controlled setting is beneficial for debugging, it is unable to identify real, tangible bottlenecks.

The CrUX algorithm assigns scores for various real user experiences in a range of 0 to 100. Different metrics record the time and speed of loading other components.

Common names for these metrics include LCP, FID, FCP, and CLS. It is predicated on the total information gathered during the preceding 28 days.

Experiences for experimental measures computed under lab data are also included in the scores. Experiences include Speed Index, Time to First Byte, or TTFB, and Interaction to Next Paint, or INP.

The combined result displayed by Google PageSpeed Insights includes lab data obtained by Google Lighthouse and field data received by Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX). By navigating between the corresponding tabs, you may see the desktop and mobile versions.

Field Data Scoring

Field Data is displayed first in the PSI result following thorough processing. The information pertaining to the FCP, FID, LCP, and CLS experience of the user is found in the Chrome User Experience Report or CrUX. The various factors are computed in the following manner:

• • • The FCP measures how long it takes for the first image or text to load in the browser. This number indicates how long it takes a user to engage with the website for the first time, approximately.
    • The FID value evaluates how quickly a user interacts with a page and how responsive it is. The time elapsed between the user’s initial click or interaction with the page and the browser’s real response to that action is known as the first input delay value.
    • The LCP calculates how long it takes a browser to render the page’s most important part. It usually serves as the primary material of the page and permits people to utilize the actual information thereafter.
    • The CLS is used by Google to calculate the amount that the content “jumps” when the page loads. This frequently occurs when ads take longer to load or when graphics are refreshed. When the arrangement remains constant and does not change, it is simpler for the user to take in the information. This kind of layout shift is called cumulative.

The values in this result are shown according to speed, separated into three distinct colour categories:

• • • Fast is displayed in green. It is where the FCP lies between 0 and 1 second, FID between 0 and 0.1 seconds, LCP between 0 and 2.5 seconds, and CLS change ranges between 0 and 10 %.
    • The average performance is displayed in orange. It is when FCP lies between 1 and 3 seconds, FID is between 0.1 and 0.3 seconds, LCP is between 2.5 and 4 seconds, and CLS change ranges between 10 and 25 %.
    • Slow is displayed in red. Here, FCP is more than 3 seconds, FID is more than 0.3 seconds, LCP exceeds 4 seconds, and CLS change is more than 25 %.

The page displays a sub-item called “Show Origin Summary” after the field data score. When you click this, the information provided above will be shown at the domain level instead of the URL level.

However, Google will indicate in a remark the “Origin Summary” data if there is insufficient data in the CrUX data set for a specific URL.

Core Web Vitals

A common set of metrics called Core Web Vitals assesses URL performance and user experience based on a number of criteria. It is tracked for desktop and mobile devices to obtain insight into the user experience and act as a ranking factor for Google.

For each page, the three essential metrics under Core Web Vitals are LCP, FID, and CLS.

If all three indicators are 75% green with enough data, the aggregation passes the Core Web Vitals exam; if not, it fails the assessment. The other two must score 75% green to pass the evaluation in the event that the data is not sufficient for FID. On the other hand, if there is insufficient LCP or CLS data, the page aggregate is not evaluated.

Lab Data Scoring

Lighthouse API is the technology used by Google PageSpeed Insights’ Lab for data analysis. Values from lab tests are derived from the website’s performance in relation to general performance best practises. Additionally, Google Lighthouse assesses and rates the FCP, LCP, and CLS experiences of users.

The Speed Index, Time to Interactive, or TTI, and Total Time to Block, or TBT, are also assessed using lab data.

• • • The speed index measures how long it takes for the page’s content to load graphically.
    • Time to Interactive or TTI is the amount of time it takes for a page to load entirely interactively.
    • Total Time to Block or TBT stands for the total time between full-page interactive elements and the front end.

Additionally, based on their performance, this tool categorizes different lab data metrics as Fast, Average, and Slow. Even when computing FCP, LCP, and CLS in both analyses, the threshold differs for every test.

• Green indicates that it is fast. In this, FCP lies between 0 and 2 seconds, Speed Index is between 0 and 4.3 seconds, LCP is between 0 and 2 seconds, TTI is between 0 and 3.8 seconds, and TBT is between 0 and 0.3 seconds. CLS change is between 0 and 10 %.
• Orange indicates the average. Here FCP is between 2 and 4 seconds, Speed Index lies between 4.4 and 5.8 seconds, LCP is between 2 and 4 seconds, TTI is between 3.9 and 7.3 seconds, and TBT is between 0.3 and 0.6 seconds. CLS change is between 10 and 25 %.
• Red indicates slowness. Here FCP is more than 4 seconds, Speed Index exceeds 5.8 seconds, LCP exceeds 4 seconds, TTI exceeds 7.3 seconds, and TBT exceeds 0.6 seconds. CLS change is more than 25 %.

Sometimes the lab data differs from the field data, as you may have noticed. This is because field data comes from real user experience, while lab data comes from a simulated environment with predetermined network conditions.

As a result, the values in the two categories vary depending on the specifics of each event.

Pro Tip: There’s no guarantee that the real user experience will be positive even with strong lab evidence.

Opportunities

Following its analysis of the website’s performance, Google PageSpeed Insights displays the opportunities and diagnostics area. Here, the program offers specific suggestions or possible optimization pointers that shorten loading times and increase website speed.

It also shows how much time can be saved by following the tool’s recommendations.

By selecting the drop-down arrow next to the identified Opportunity in the report, you may examine even more details. It provides a thorough explanation of the problem and suggests solutions.

Diagnostics

Similarly, based on its examination of the webpage, the Diagnostics section provides information about the best practices that the webpage does not follow. Here, the drop-down arrow provides you with additional specific information about the issue and recommended practices.

Pro Tip: The information in the diagnostics section review has no direct bearing on the PageSpeed Insights scores. It only offers comprehensive details on possible problems and the most appropriate fix.

Passed Audits

Google Lighthouse’s report includes a list of the page’s strong points after a comprehensive analysis. This enables the proprietor of the website to comprehend whether regions are compliant with PageSpeed Insights guidelines.

It is beneficial to see if your page analysis yields a lengthy list of audits that pass. It provides the optimal page speed practices and indicates that your page passed the speed test.

How to Score High on the PageSpeed Insights Tool?

Some find the complexities of the PSI score to be intimidating. Still, Google cares about its consumers all the time and provides thorough recommendations for an improved experience. A free tool from Google called PageSPeed Insights alerts users to various load time concerns in the Opportunities area and offers action items to help fix the issues.

In addition to those recommendations, website owners may want to think about the following techniques to reduce loading times and achieve the highest PageSpeed Insights score. These would not only increase the speed of the pages but also contribute to the general attractiveness and performance of the website, making it one of the most advanced web applications.

Avoid Post-Click Landing Page Redirects

Post-click landing page redirection is the process of sending a user to a different page after they click on an advertisement, link, etc. It usually happens when the owner of the website moves or deletes a page.

Google claims that a few popular redirect patterns can affect a website’s overall speed and user experience. Every redirect affects the rendering of the website overall, lengthening the time it takes for pages to load. Redirecting less traffic is therefore necessary to boost overall performance.

Often, redirects lead to device-specifically optimized web pages. You can avoid frequent redirects by designing your website with a responsive layout that works well on all devices.

Minify JavaScript and CSS files

Minifying is the process of removing or fixing redundant and unnecessary data without altering the way the browser renders the page. This involves downsizing the CSS, HTML, or JavaScript files and getting rid of unnecessary spaces and characters.

To minify different browsers, you can utilize different plugins. Try the HTML minifier, CSSNano, WP Rocket, and Closure Compiler plugins for HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and WordPress, according to Google. Consequently, this reduces the file size and enhances page performance.

Enable Compression

Comparably, eliminating unnecessary data through compression lowers the page load by over 90%. In this manner, users are provided with a quicker-loading, smaller version of the compressed page by the browser. This would improve your PageSpeed Insights performance automatically.

The best method for drastically reducing page size is to use a compressor or compression algorithm. To aid in compression, you can employ formats such as WEBP and minimize the size of your images. Enabling text compression recommendations is another way to reduce superfluous content on the page.

Prioritise Above-the-fold Content

The viewer can view the text above the fold without having to scroll the screen. In order to save consumers time viewing the material, this page needs to load more quickly. Making this a priority is therefore essential to enhancing site performance.

To immediately draw users’ attention to the most important stuff on your page, important content must be placed first. Additionally, you may quickly convey the main idea of your website and increase your ranking on Google PageSpeed Insights by doing this.

Use Browser Caching

With browser caching, you can prevent the need for a page reload every time a user visits by keeping previously loaded data in memory. This covers the logos, footers, and so forth. These resources improve page load speed by not needing to reload each time a visitor views a new page on your website.

You can use different plugins to enable browser caching. For those websites, for instance, you can utilize the WP plugin W3 Total Cache. More than one million people have installed one of the most widely used caching plugins. The plugin promises to improve PageSpeed Insights score and increase site performance by a minimum of ten times.

Minimise Request Counts and Transfer Size

If the number of queries your browser has to make to load the pages and the resources your server delivers is large, it increases load times. Google advises you to reduce both of these factors.

Google advises customizing the quantity and size of requests by creating a performance budget, even if there is no perfect amount or size. It would depend on how many external resources you need, how big your scripts and frameworks are, how many web fonts you use, etc.

Serve Images in Next-Gen Formats

Google produced photographs in next-generation formats, including JPEG 2000, WebP, and JPEG XR. When compared to older formats, these exhibit superior qualities and compression standards. Additionally, they load more quickly than popular picture file formats like JPEG and PNG.

WebP images are becoming more and more common, eventually replacing other image formats. A feature of many plugins, such as Smush and Imagify, is WebP conversion. This is due to the fact that WebP files are roughly 25–30% smaller than JPEG files without sacrificing quality. Furthermore, it reduces the page weight by 25%, which results in a 3% reduction in loading times.

Steer Clear of Lengthy Embedded Video Content

Refrain from adding lengthy videos that showcase your goods and services to your website. Videos consume a lot of bandwidth and strain the web server when several people watch them at once.

Alternatively, you can save videos on another platform, like YouTube, and embed them into the page’s media library. This would greatly speed up your website’s loading speed.

Speed Up Response Times for Servers

The server response timings show how long it takes for your server to start loading the page content for the user. There are several factors that can reduce server response times, such as memory leaks, slow routing, frameworks, database queries, libraries, etc.

Your web hosting platform has a huge influence on your server’s speed. Invest in a reliable web host, like Server Gigabit, to have a lightning-fast website that functions effectively under load.

Remove the Render Blocking Resource

The render-blocking resources that are essential to page rendering are static files such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. To view the complete page, users must download these files. By forming a bottleneck, many of these static files in the area above the fold slow down the pace of the website.

There are two ways that render-blocking resources can be eliminated.

Inlining: The term “inlining” describes the use of a plugin to insert JavaScript or CSS into an HTML file. For WordPress websites, Autoptimise, for instance, inclines the code. However, this process is only applicable in small areas.

Defer and Async: Large websites can avoid render-blocking by utilizing this technique. While the defer attribute delays the scripts’ execution until after the HTML parsing is complete, the async attribute initiates the scripts immediately upon download.

Minimise Main Thread Work 

A web page’s main thread is an essential component. It modifies the website’s code to create a user-friendly webpage. The main thread performs two important tasks: it handles user interactions and parses HTML, JavaScript, and CSS files.

The main thread is unable to finish both tasks at once. It therefore does not process user requests even when it is working on the site code. If the main thread takes longer than the typical 4 seconds, this causes the speed at which pages load to slow down.

Use Video Format for Animated Content

To add visual appeal to their web pages, some website owners opt to use GIFs. Feature reviews, instructional videos, and humorous animations all work well to improve page views and increase user satisfaction.

However, these striking GIFs detract from the page’s performance. They load slowly and use a lot of data. As a result, Google PageSpeed Insights suggests switching to video content. Using the command line interface, GIFs can be converted into video file types. Use programs like FFmpeg, which enable command-line interface video file conversion, to accomplish that.

Here are some methods for reducing work on the main thread:

• • • Reduce the size of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML files by minifying them via deferring or inlining.
    • Using programs like ChromeDevTools, locate any extraneous CSS and JavaScript codes, then eliminate them by deferring attributes and inlining them.
    • Implement code splitting using Webpack to split JavaScript into different bundles. This advanced technique removes the need to load all codes to make the webpage interactive.
    • Using browser caching to prevent users from having to refresh every time they visit a new page.

Preload Key Requests

By using this tip, you can reduce the number of queries that browsers have to make to the website’s server. It’s similar to Google’s suggestion to “Preconnect to required origins” aside from not connecting to outside resources. Conversely, preload key requests require loading necessary resources onto one’s own server.

To use this method, you need to make a change to your WordPress theme file. The header.php file is where you can add any recommended link tags from Google PageSpeed Insights. Additionally, you can add these link tags by using other plugins, such as WP Rocket and Perfmatters.

Make Sure Text Is Visible While Webfont Loads

Usually, people are concerned about large photos and movies. When analyzing the elements that contribute to a web page loading slowly, most people overlook fonts—the large, hidden files. Sometimes, browsers will hide text until your favorite font has completely loaded. As a result, you have to wait longer for the page to render.

Google PageSpeed Insights advises using Font Display API for this reason in order to keep the text visible to users while the web fonts load.

Implement AMP

This function is exclusive to users of mobile devices. Accelerated Mobile Pages is what AMP stands for. Google made this change to speed up the loading of numerous pages and mobile websites. The program generates an open-source format that eliminates and filters a ton of superfluous content.

As a result, the mobile page loads more quickly. Additionally, it simplifies the experience for mobile users by eliminating cumbersome elements that don’t work well on mobile devices. AMP frequently appears in a variety of Google search results. Because AMP-based articles include less formatting, they load more quickly and provide the user with content more quickly.

Avoid Chaining Critical Requests

The Critical Rendering Path, or CRP, is related to chaining critical requests. It describes how a web page loads in a browser. The entire website must load before elements like CSS and JavaScript may be seen.

The Google PageSpeed Insights tool lists the request chains for the page under analysis. The list includes resource sizes in addition to several dependent requests. Before the page is viewable, these requests must be fulfilled. The best course of action is to reduce the quantity and size of requests using a variety of techniques, such as minification, delaying, removing resources that stall renders, etc.

Furthermore, you can try to reduce the CRP by streamlining the order in which page assets load. To do this, shift the information that is above the fold to the top of the HTML file. However, the Google PageSpeed Insights tool doesn’t mark a certain amount of key request chains as “pass” or “fail” in an audit. It only recommends the adjustment to assist in speeding up the loading of your website.

Appropriate SEO

For every website to function, SEO and keyword rankings are essential. It also plays a significant role in Google PageSpeed rankings. Optimizing content for Google crawlers is essential to ensure proper comprehension and indexation of online content.

Any new business must grasp the relationship between SEO and its particular industry. To stay current, they must also adhere to SEO best practices. Startups would benefit from having early access to a safe server environment using  Server Gigabit.

Conclusion

A website wants to draw visitors in and keep them there for an extended period of time. A key component of every business is having strong conversion rates. But if your website loads slowly, it’s all for nothing. When a user waits for a page to display its contents, you have to maintain their attention for a little while.

The Google PageSpeed Insights tool aids in improving the functionality and speed of your website. The user can comprehend the issues causing site loads to take longer to load thanks to the speed test tool. It gives your page a score and makes it very evident to you where it sits.

Additionally, the program makes suggestions to assist you in improving page speed. Google provides a number of remedies to improve the usability and convenience of your website since it recognizes the connection between page load time and conversions.

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Google PageSpeed Insights appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

The three most popular and best desktop environments for Linux are KDE, GNOME and Xfce. Many users utilize the Unix operating system’s core desktop environment along with their preferred Linux distribution. Professionals, however, typically choose one over the other because of features like file management, performance, accessibility and layout.

You’ve come to the correct place if you struggle to choose an environment. Let us compare Gnome, Xfce and KDE in order to help you make a decision.

What Is Linux Desktop Environments?

You have access to standard graphical user interface elements such as toolbars, widgets, and icons when using a desktop Linux environment. As such, you may use your mouse and keyboard to explore the Linux OS in the same way that you would with Windows.

To make using the operating systems enjoyable for users, Server Gigabit provides integrated programs and utilities. You can thus obtain a text editor, desktop search, file management, and more.

While a single Linux distribution may provide a range of desktop environments, many Linux distributions may provide the same desktop environment. For example, GNOME is Fedora and Ubuntu’s default approach.

Let’s investigate the top desktop environment.

Top 3 Linux Best Desktop Environments

What Is KDE?

KDE desktops are the abbreviation for K Desktop Environments. The majority of Linux operating systems are compatible with the open-source graphical user interface, including Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and LinuxPPC.

KDE is a desktop designed for clients who are willing to take a chance with their usage in exchange for higher daily data entry productivity and efficiency. Install KDE to take total control of the way its components interact. The desktop experience is far more advanced than both Mac OS and Windows X.

Question: Which is the newest version of KDE?

Answer: The most recent version of KDE is called KDE Plasma, and it comes with a lot of features including KRunner, which is designed to improve multitasking, Dolphin, the file manager, and much more. Furthermore, KDE Plasma is designed using proprietary code to enable the portability of KDE technologies.

KDE is therefore made for users who want efficiency, maximum time efficiency, and configurable possibilities. For people who like to work with a lot of data, like programmers and illustrators, or for users who prefer to have a lot of options and quickly set up their desktops, this is the perfect environment.

What Is GNOME?

Another well-known GUI for Linux systems is called GNOME, or GNU Network Object Model Environment. Its interface is very similar to that of Windows and Mac operating systems. It employs a modular design and comes with helpful apps like Microsoft Office.

Question: Which is the newest version of GNOME?

Answer: The most recent version of GNOME is version 43, which comes with a default setup, a faster start-up, a dark user interface, and less memory utilization. Text editor and console are two more additional apps that GNOME includes in the default app set.

GNOME is a user-friendly choice that is perfect for novices who are drawn to cutting-edge touch-specific interfaces and future difficulties. You’ll adore GNOME if you’re not a computer geek and you’d rather have an easy-to-use desktop environment!

What Is Xfce?

System resource preservation is given top priority in Xfce, or XForms daily environment, which provides a wealth of setting possibilities. It is often the default environment for Linux distributions and Unix-based operating systems.

In contrast to GNOME, Xfce boasts a lower feature set. Essentially the same, the design meets the requirements of being quick, easy to modify, and breathtakingly beautiful when customized. You may use your Configuration Center to personalize Xfce because everything is extremely simple.

Question: Which is the newest version of Xfce?

Answer: The most recent version of Xfce, 4.16, has new icons and a palette in addition to revised power manager settings and support for queued file manager transfers.

The Xfce environment is intended for users who like a simple interface with quick access to all of their apps and don’t need to use the system for complicated tasks. Installing it would be beneficial for writers, reporters, and regular computer users since it strikes a balance between speed and power.

Question: What exactly is MATE?

Answer: MATE desktop is an open-source program that offers a desktop replacement for GNOME 2. It is a more conventional desktop environment that offers a lighter, more pleasant experience to users. However, that demographic and older PCs are not its primary target.

KDE vs GNOME vs Xfce Compared

After learning the fundamentals of KDE, GNOME, and Xfce, let’s compare their features. Which one should be installed as your operating system?

Desktop Theme

It’s possible that the initial Xfce desktop version is not visually appealing. Nonetheless, altering the theme is a rather easy procedure. Finding the right theme and extracting it to the right directory is quick and easy. You won’t need any other tools because Xfce will help you throughout the graphical user interface.

You may then use a similar approach on GNOME. The only distinction is that before proceeding, you must download and install GNOME Tweak Tool. Luckily, there won’t be any major challenges. However, after downloading the tweak tool, you specifically need to make sure that the user theme extension is installed when using GNOME.

Like Xfce, you won’t need additional tools to install the KDE theme. You can use the graphical interface in KDE or install new themes automatically by clicking a button, allowing the user to search for, view, and install them.

Navigation of Desktop

Simple navigation is available right out of the box with Xfce. The new Xfce installation can be used instantly and independently by anyone who is familiar with the GNOME or conventional Windows operating system.

Additionally, GNOME provides an easy-to-use control panel. It has a simple user interface with little additional capabilities. It’s interesting that GNOME only takes action when necessary—neither more nor less. As a result, the user’s productivity is the main focus.

If a user comes from a Windows desktop environment, the KDE offers a slightly more conventional desktop experience with familiar launchers and the ability to utilize the software more accustomedly. Still, some of its hidden features may be challenging to locate.

Development Policies

The development plan of GNOME is based on four main principles: localization, globalization, autonomy, and openness. Because KDM prioritizes offering a visually pleasing user interface, there is a great deal of freedom for customization by the user.

Likewise, speed and lightness are important to Xfce developers. Consequently, it seems that Xfce will win this competition because speed is crucial in the computer industry.

User Experience and Customization

With different setup options, the KDE and X Window System are remarkably comparable. Even still, new users can find it challenging to utilize.

When comparing GNOME with KDE, GNOME is far more flexible and easy to use. With the overview option, you may quickly navigate between open windows and programs.

Xfce is a fast, power-efficient, customizable, and general desktop environment. Xfce can have limited animations and aesthetics because it requires fewer software resources.

In the contest for customization between GNOME, Xfce, and KDE, KDE prevails. GNOME is in second place, followed by Xfce. If you have a regular PC or laptop and are a novice, you can go with them.

Effectiveness and Speed

While both KDE and Xfce consume relatively little system resources, Xfce offers a lighter desktop environment and faster loading times. You can run multiple applications at once with Xfce and not worry about performance issues. On the other hand, KDE introduced a new Wayland protocol in an effort to enhance user-friendliness and experience.

Rich desktop environment GNOME is known for, however, it uses excessive amounts of resources. Up to 1.3 GB can be used by a new session, which causes the entire program to lag.

Popularity

GNOME is preferred as the standard desktop environment by Ubuntu, the most popular desktop Linux distribution.

The default desktop environment of Linux Mint, the second most popular Linux distribution, is KDE.

Although it used to be the third choice, Xfce is now competitive with KDE. Maybe people enjoy Xfce because it’s the lightest of all of them.

Conclusion

The competition between KDE, GNOME, and Xfce has intensified to a new degree.

Considering all the tools and information available to you, selecting the ideal desktop environment ultimately boils down to personal taste. However, bear in mind that security problems are getting more and more common when making your decision!

The post Which is the Best Desktop Environment: KDE, Xfce or GNOME? appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

As a network administrator, you require IP Scanner tools in order to administer your network. You may take control of your network and the devices connected to it using these programs.

We’ll go over the top IP scanner programs in this post so you can control devices using their IP addresses. We’ll also include a list of multifunctional network scanning software, such as vulnerability and IP address scanning in addition to network scanning.

Now let’s get going.

What is the purpose of network scanning tools and IP scanners?

IP scanners find IP addresses by first analyzing the network. It also provides more pertinent data related to the devices connected to those IP addresses. To locate IP ranges, these IP scanners use ICMP ping sweeps. Additionally, it generates SNMP scans to map the topology of networks. To put it briefly, an IP scanner allows you to record device IP, DNS, and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) data.

Conversely, network scanners include details such MAC address, vendor type, and hostname. Network scanners are another tool that network managers can employ to swiftly troubleshoot the network.

Advantages of using IP scanner software

IP management is provided by IP scanner software along with accurate IP address usage data. Additionally, they simplify the work of network administrators by automating IP scanning. In this manner, you can avoid dealing with data that is prone to errors by eliminating the need for manual IP scanning.

The following are some of the main advantages:

• • • Rapid access to network information.
    • Simple IP address and subnet discovery.
    • IP addresses on networks are automatically updated.
    • IP subnet management and scanning.
    • Obtain essential data for network mapping and organization.
    • IP scanning support for both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses simplifies monitoring.
    • Maintain consistency in IP allocation by using appropriate IPv4 and IPv6 scanning.
    • Establish a centralized console for network device management.
    • Find out everything there is to know about the use of IP resources, including system name, MAC address, network type, asset details, last scan time, and even physical address.
    • Enhance network performance by using subnets to properly partition and use available space.
    • By IP scanning several subnets and supernets in real-time, IP scanner software simplifies the management of dynamic networks.
    • Keeps ahead of IP resource exhaustion and permits appropriate capacity planning.
    • Proactively monitoring with the IP scanner can help you avoid expensive network problems.

To learn more about the advantages of an IP Scanner, visit 5 key benefits of using an IP scanner – ManageEngine.

Top 11 IP Scanner Tools For Network Management

Network administrators can effectively manage the entire network by using IP Scanner tools, which are excellent at scanning IP ranges. These tools eliminate the need to install local software on each network device by operating on the Agentless Asset Discovery principle. Several SNMP and ICMP techniques are used by IP Scanner software to deliver real-time insights. Additionally, because these IP address scanner tools support multi-thread scan technology, they operate quickly. Finally, simple port scanning, including port switching, is another feature of IP scanner tools.

Now let’s get going.

1. SolarWinds IP Address Manager

SolarWinds IP Address Manager allows network administrators to handle, track, and maintain IP addresses. You can use it to learn about IP address space, how it is used, and a lot more. In addition, you have control over DNS and DHCP.

Among its primary attributes are:

• • • Save time by eliminating the need for manual checks with automatic IP scanning.
    • Using a single, centralized panel, administrators can manage IP, DNS, and DHCP.
    • Outstandingly easy interface.
    • Supports reporting, troubleshooting, and alerting of IP addresses.
    • Historical data, available IP addresses, and current usage are all included in comprehensive IP address utilization tracking.
    • Offers integration with third-party software

There is a 30-day free version available, but it is not free to use.

2. OpUtils

OpUtils by ManageEngine enables network administrators to control IP addresses and switch ports. Since they can quickly identify, track, and resolve network issues, network engineers have complete control. By using appropriate IPv4 and IPv6 subnet scanning, administrators can ascertain the number of IP addresses that are available.

It also has additional features like:

• • • Rogue device detection to locate and disable devices that have not been verified.
    • Track the amount of bandwidth used by the network with a bandwidth monitor.
    • Create graphs using SNMP tools for improved visualization.
    • Network inactive machines can be manually or automatically rebooted.
    • Keep an eye on vital servers and receive notifications for problems that require quick attention.
    • Supports a specific IP range for IP scanning.
    • Get essential information like system specs, IP address, etc. by scanning TCP ports and SNMP-capable devices.

3. PRTG Network Monitor

PRTG Network Monitor by Paessler is a monitoring tool suitable for enterprise use that functions in a variety of settings. Administrators can keep an eye on every system, including linked devices, connections, apps, and more. Additionally, it provides a central management console with an eagle-eye view that saves you time. It is fully customizable and supports on-premise installation as well.

It has numerous features, such as:

• • • Operates on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
    • Supports numerous protocols for managing and scanning IP addresses.
    • Provides alerts and real-time monitoring in case there are network problems.
    • Determine available addresses for simple assignments.
    • Analysis of traffic and bandwidth.
    • Customizable dashboards.
    • A mobile app for monitoring and controlling remotely.

4. Angry IP Scanner

Check out Angry IP Scanner if you’re searching for a quick and user-friendly IP scanner. The scanner is compatible with Mac, Linux, and Windows and is cross-platform. It can search IP addresses in any range and on any port. You can ping each and every machine in the network to check if it is still alive after you launch Angry IP Scanner. It also aids in the resolution of IP disputes. You can obtain more data with Angry IP Scanner, such as hostname, scan ports, etc. Plugins enable you to gather additional data. Additionally, it makes it simple to export data to TXT, CSV, XML, or IP Port list files.

Features of Angry IP Scanner include:

• • • Supports multithreaded approach to speed up scanning.
    • Easily export scanning results in TXT, CSV, XML, or IP-Port list files.
    • Assemble NetBIOS information.
    • Provide options for configuring scanning and web server detection.
    • Locate duplicate IP addresses across the entire network.
    • Excellent in hybrid environments.

It is open-source and free to use.

5. IP Range Scanner

The IP Range Scanner from Lansweeper is available for free usage. Users can use it to scan computers, routers, and other network devices. An intuitive and configurable interface is provided by the IP scanner. By obtaining essential details like IP address, hostname, operating system, and hardware information with it, you can save time.

There are many features included with the IP Range Scanner, including:

• • • Schedule IP range network scan.
    • Quick and precise scanning.
    • Ability to extract modifiable scanned data.
    • Quickly import network setup using CSV file.
    • Dismiss devices according to IP address or Type.
    • It functions great on the Local area network (LAN).
    • Scan results include comprehensive device information, including open ports, network services, etc.

You can use the free version on up to 100 devices. You have to purchase their enterprise version if you have more than that.

6. Free IP Scanner

Free IP Scanner is a free-to-use software that provides an easy-to-use method for searching for information on your network. You can use it to find out the IP status of network devices that are connected.

The following features are yours to have here:

• • • Fully adjustable port scanner.
    • It makes use of multi-threaded IP scanning for quick output.
    • Save the outputs in text files.
    • Displays NetBIOS information, including logged users.

7. Advanced IP Scanner

Advanced IP Scanner is another free network scanner that lets you examine LANs. It comes with remote PC control via RDP and Radmin in addition to IP scanning.

Here are the features that you can access if you choose to use Advanced IP Scanner:

• • • Network IP scanning.
    • Remote control of computers.
    • It is provided in a portable format.
    • Export scans to CSV.
    • Simple to turn.

8. Intruder

Intruder is a complete network scanning solution that offers comprehensive IP scanning and more. This cyber-security tool enables you to identify weaknesses in your product. You can monitor threats across all of your devices with it. It can detect problems like bugs, misconfiguration, cross-site scripting, and more. It helps IT organizations to remain safe from over 10,000 vulnerabilities.

Some of its notable features include:

• • • Full vulnerability scanning.
    • Utilizes cloud-based systems.
    • Penetration tests.
    • Personalized monitoring.
    • Monitor ongoing attacks.
    • Intelligent, actionable results with appropriate context.
    • Supports a wide range of integrations such as AWS, Slack, etc.

Intruder software is a paid solution targeting businesses.

9. Fing

Fing is a free-to-use IP scanner that lets you list all your network devices. It offers essential details about scanned devices, including the IP address, device name, manufacturer, vendor, and so forth, just like other IP address scanners. It also provides sophisticated NetBIOS information.

With Fing, you get the following features:

• • • Provides a mobile app.
    • Find network intruders.
    • Run internet speed tests.
    • Supports LAN and Wi-Fi networks.
    • Offers network alteration.
    • Provides troubleshooting tools such as port scanning.

10. SolarWinds Port Scanner

To optimize your network management, you would probably need a port scanner. SolarWinds port scanner lets you identify port behavior. This way, you can find network vulnerabilities and fix them.

Here with Solarwinds Port Scanner, you get the following features:

• • • Do customize scans based on IP addresses.
    • Do multiple threads of scanning for faster execution.
    • Understand network configuration and setup.
    • Obtain proper port status across the network.
    • Examine and test open and closed ports for vulnerabilities and flaws.

11. Using Nmap

Nmap is a useful command-line tool that works with Windows, Linux, and macOS, among other major operating systems. For Network Mapper, it stands. It is free to use because it is an open-source tool. Finding port rules, network mapping, operating system detection, service discovery, vulnerability scanning, and shadow IT hunting are some of its primary functions. Nmap is classified as an advanced IP scanner because it can find vulnerabilities.

The following features of Nmap:

• • • Discover and find live hosts on a network.
    • Scan for open ports.
    • Discover and learn about services.
    • Test for weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The Nmap command in Linux is as below.

nmap [hostname/IPaddress]

If you want to read more about Nmap, check out Nmap documentation.

Conclusion

In summary, strong IP Scanner tools are essential for efficient network administration. The best IP scanner software was discussed in this guide, along with its many features for effective IP address-based device management. These tools provide a wide range of functions that are essential for strong network security and configuration, whether for IP range scanning, remote PC control, or vulnerability detection.

The post Top 11 IP Scanner Tools for Network Management appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.

With bots accounting for nearly half of all web traffic, they are an unavoidable part of today’s digital world.

Over 40% of internet traffic, according to the Imperva 2022 Report, consists of non-human behavior or activities. It consists of bot traffic programs that range from malicious software to real crawlers. The study made clear that the volume of bad bot traffic is nearly twice that of good bot traffic.

Bots are ubiquitous on the internet and have a variety of effects on websites. While some bots are malicious and should be avoided at all costs, others are employed by website owners for their own gain.

Let us first review what bots and bot traffic are, before moving on to the various kinds of bots and how to stop them.

What are Bots and Bot Traffic?

Robots, or Internet bots, are the commonly used abbreviation for “bots.” These software applications aim to mechanize human actions. Bots are designed to mimic human behavior and are programmed to do so without human input. Their ability to complete routine and monotonous tasks quickly and effectively makes them a viable choice.

The non-human traffic on your website or app is referred to as “bot traffic.” On the internet, bot traffic is fairly common, but it usually carries a bad reputation. That does not, however, mean that good bots are no longer present. The purpose for which the creator intended to use the bot will determine its outcome.

Bots are omnipresent in today’s digital world and serve a variety of functions. Digital assistants like Alex and Siri are examples of good bots, as are search engine optimization bots. Malicious bots, on the other hand, are employed in data scraping, DDoS attacks, and other illicit activities. There are thus two types of bot activities: good and bad. Let’s look at more details for every category.

What is Good Bot Traffic?

The ‘good’ bots, true to their name, do no damage to your website. You can learn about their presence and activity on your page from this non-human traffic. Many use these sophisticated bots to reduce the burden of their daily tasks. These automated bots relieve website owners of a great deal of repetitive work and assist them in efficiently handling several tasks at once.

Despite their bad reputation, some legitimate internet bots actually increase website traffic rather than causing problems. Several well-known ‘good’ bots consist of:

1. Search engine bots.

These are the main search engine crawlers that aid in online content discovery. The bots search your website for content and deliver the necessary results when you do a search. Consequently, having these bots increases website traffic.

2. Commercial bots.

These are the bots that for-profit businesses use for their own purposes. They deploy these bots to search the internet and gather the required data. Research companies use research commercial bots to monitor market news, online advertising networks use them to optimize display ads, and so on.

3. SEO crawlers.

Anyone familiar with SEO has probably performed keyword searches and other tasks using tools like Ahrefs and Semrush. Additionally, these tools send out bots to search the web and collect data based on your specifications.

4. Monitoring bots.

These intelligent bots assist in tracking metrics related to websites, such as bounce rate and uptime. They check and report on various data on a regular basis to keep you informed about the website and server status. This makes it easier for you to monitor your website and take action if something goes wrong.

5. Copyright bots.

These web crawlers check if any of your photos or content are being unlawfully taken. It can be difficult to trace a stolen image on the internet. Bots therefore assist in automating the process and protecting your copyrighted content.

What is Bad Bot Traffic?

Many websites frequently feature spam bots. Unlike real bots, these bad bots were made with malicious intent. They frequently go undercover as inane remarks or automated systems that purchase all of the best seats at an event. They may also take the shape of pointless backlinks and horrible adverts.

The negative perception of internet bots is a result of these malicious bots. They are widespread on the internet and cause problems for users. A few well-known malicious bot networks to stay away from are:

1. Scrapers

These obnoxious malicious bots scrape websites and take down any important data they can find, such as files, content, photos, and videos. Website owners that employ this bot do so without authorization, repurposing the stolen data on their sites. In order to send them malicious emails, scrapers also collect email addresses and other contact information.

2. Spam bots

Occasionally strange comments from strangers appear on your blog or in your email. It’s what spam bots do. They can appear as form-filling bots that automatically fill out online forms, as well as spam traffic bots that bombard your website with unsolicited links and advertisements.

3. DDoS bots

These are some of the deadliest and oldest bots. Bots that cause a distributed denial of service are known as DDoS. DDoS attacks are carried out by a variety of networks of compromised devices, such as botnets.

Installing a DDoS bot on a computer allows it to take down a particular website or server by targeting it. These malicious bots impair the speed and functionality of those websites, causing financial harm. They consequently take the entire website offline.

4. Click fraud bots

These malicious bots result in high advertising fees being charged to different site owners. To increase their revenue, the ad fraud bots click on pay-per-click (PPC) advertisements. In the guise of authentic users, the bot clicks the advertisement. The overspending on advertising due to bot activity results in phony advertisements and website clicks.

5. Brute force attack bots

Your website’s bot traffic is forcing itself onto the server. These automated programs aim to steal confidential information from your website by impersonating real users. The operator of these malicious bots receives reports from them, which they subsequently sell or utilize for personal gain.

How is Bot Traffic Identified?

Bots that crawl websites for search engines are quickly taking over the internet. Even though some of them are helpful, the malicious bot traffic negatively impacts your website’s analytics data by altering its metrics.

For this reason, it’s critical to detect and remove bot traffic from your website. In order to detect bot traffic, web engineers and providers such as Server Gigabit can examine network requests made to their websites directly.

One of the best resources for identifying bot traffic on a website is Google Analytics. The ‘Bot Filtering’ checkbox in your Google Analytics account aids in filtering bot traffic on the server. By pointing to the presence of website traffic bots, the following anomalies in Google Analytics data assist in the detection of bot traffic:

Unusual page visits from a single IP address.

A website that is accessible to the public must receive visits from a variety of IP addresses based on its location, clientele, and other elements. On the other hand, it is obviously bot traffic if it draws abnormally high traffic from a single IP address or an unexpected source.

Another determining factor may be the IP address’s location; for example, a website with Japanese content receiving a lot of visits from an IP address based in Russia raises red flags.

Unexpectedly high bounce rate.

The duration a visitor stays on your page is known as the “bounce rate.” It is the proportion of visitors to a website that leaves the page or bounces off in a matter of seconds. Bot traffic may also be indicated by website analytics data that shows the bounce rate.

Bots may be responsible for any unusual trends in this metric, such as an abrupt increase or decrease in the bounce rate percentage without a good reason.

A sudden surge in page views.

Even if the number of page views appears to be reasonable, an unexpected increase in them may warrant concern. There are instances when visitors to your website appear to be from different countries and IP addresses, but in reality, they are bot traffic.

You can determine whether the unexpected spike in traffic is typical or the result of a distributed denial of service attack (DDoS) by looking at Google Analytics data.

Fake conversions.

A website may use certain bots to increase bogus conversions. These include bots that create fictitious carts on e-commerce sites without actually checking out any products, or those that artificially increase newsletter subscriptions by submitting fictitious forms.

These bots use strange email addresses, contact details, and names to create fake accounts. Unexpectedly high conversion rates without any discernible cause may be a sign of fraudulent website traffic and junk conversions generated by these bots.

Social media ‘referrer’

Additionally, bot traffic may visit your social media profiles. Bots that generate referral traffic mimic the typical referrer, which identifies the source of fresh visitors to a website. They are bot traffic, even though they may appear to be actual users.

Other indicators that bots are invading your system include:

• • • Frequent crashes or software glitches in the software.
    • Unreasonable factors result in slower page loading or internet connection speed.
    • Google or other search engines show features that the user did not install.
    • Unknown pop-ups show up, and programs run without the users’ knowledge.

How to Stop Bot Traffic?

Once you have an understanding of bot traffic, you need to work out how to prevent bot attacks on your system. While preventing malicious bot traffic from damaging your website or server is vital, you also need to control bot traffic from legitimate and profitable bots. Good bots can strain internet traffic and degrade site performance, so they’re not always beneficial for your site. In addition, bot traffic management can aid in distinguishing between malicious and useful bots.

Similar to this, different websites receive different amounts of unwanted bot traffic. Not all websites are infected by the same malicious bot. There is no one-size-fits-all bot management solution because malicious bots attack websites for a variety of reasons and use different techniques.

To prevent malicious bots from infecting your system, take preventative action. Here are some resources for identifying bots and instructions for handling both malicious and benign bots.

How to Stop Bad Bots?

There are multiple ways to prevent malicious bots from overloading your system. Among them are:

1. Block the source.

Blocking the source of the internet traffic is one of the simplest ways to stop undesired bot traffic. A single visitor or a whole range of IP addresses indicating erratic traffic could be the source. To stop bot traffic, you can also use bot management solutions offered by different vendors. Before they can do any damage, they use AI and machine learning to identify malicious bots and block them.

2. Monitoring bots.

You can gain a better understanding of malicious bots and their unusual behavior on your website by keeping an eye on them. Establish a baseline of typical human behavior that you can use to compare and find any unusual activity on the website. Correct automated responses that surpass the human threshold and block visitors, setting off an alarm.

3. Install a security plugin.

Installing a security plugin is an additional method of preventing malicious bot traffic. You can install security plugins like Wordfence or Sucuri Security if your website is WordPress-based. Security researchers work for companies that manage these, continuously monitoring and patching vulnerabilities.

While some security plugins automatically block bots, others let you identify the source of strange traffic and determine how to handle it.

How to Stop Good Bots?

In certain cases, maintaining good bot traffic on the website becomes crucial. The following actions can assist in managing them:

1. Blocking bots that are not useful.

Certain ‘good’ bots won’t be helpful for your website. You must determine whether these bots are useful for your website in any way. For example, other search engine bots besides Google frequently visit your website hundreds of times a day, but they do not bring in a lot of traffic. Blocking bot traffic from those search engines is therefore a better idea.

2. Limit the bot’s crawl rate.

Bots cannot revisit or crawl over the same links more than once when the crawl rate is limited. You can modify the crawl rate of different bots using the Crawl-delay option in robots.txt. For each crawler, you can designate a different delay rate. Regretfully, Google does not allow crawl delay. However, you can use this function with different search engines.

3. Block and allow lists.

You need to create a block list and allow list after you have an appropriate bot detection and management system in place. The good bots you allow to crawl your website are on the ‘allow list’. These are the bots you are positive would be useful for your website. By granting access on your own terms through timeboxing or rate-limiting features, you can also control good bot traffic.

Conclusion

The volume of bot traffic on any given website indicates the amount of non-human traffic it receives. Even though there are benefits to bot traffic, websites must distinguish between good and bad bot traffic in order to control site performance. Using the services of a reliable web host, such as Server Gigabit, can help identify the various kinds of bot traffic on the website.

There are numerous indicators that indicate malicious bot traffic is damaging your server or website. You can determine whether the internet bot that is visiting your website is abusive or helpful once you have control over it. As such, you are able to decide what action to take.

If you know the right precautions to take, dealing with bot traffic can be rather simple. One such tool that can assist you in controlling bot traffic is Google Analytics. Purchasing a certified bot management solution is an additional way to control bot traffic and protect your website from harmful threats.

The post What are the Differences Between Bot Traffic And How to Stop Them? appeared first on ServerGigabit Network.