3 Simple VPS Server Tweaks That Speed Up Wordpress

phowell23 · 07-21-2011, 01:24 PM

Recently I ran across some VPS server tweaks that I thought I would share on the Warrior Forum that can help speed up Wordpress. These tweaks were very important to me since all of my websites are Wordpress sites. Wordpress is a great and easy way to install and manage websites but the problem is they are memory hogs and can slow down your server. With these free tweaks implemented it frees up memory and potentially your websites.

One of the major positives of having a VPS server is you can make these type of changes to it so you should take advantage of that opportunity if you have a VPS server.

1. Disable Mailman

What is it? Mailman is a free software for managing electronic mail discussion and e-newsletter lists. If you have Wordpress you don't need this running too as there are plenty of Wordpress plugins that can help manager e-newsletter lists. Also there is PHPList available which only uses resources when it needs to.

Why? Mailman sucks up memory constantly for no reason

How? WHM >> Server Configuration >> Tweak Settings >> Turn it off by unchecking the box.

2. Adjust Number of Minutes between Mail Server Queue Runs

What is it? Number of minutes between mail server queue runs. Smaller number means it runs more often.

Why? Each time it runs it increases load on the server (aka it sucks resources)

How? WHM >> Server Configuration >> Tweak Settings >> Mail >> Default is 60 - change to 120 or 180

3. Reduce Memory Strain From SpamAssassin

What is it? SpamAssassin is a computer program that uses a variety of spam-detection techniques and tries to reduce the amount of spam you receive.

Why? Even though SpamAssassin sounds goods it very well can slow down your system too. Simple tweak will reduce that load.

How? In WHM search for "Manage Plugins" or scroll down until you see it. Click on Manage Plugins then you'll see spamdconfig - enable that. Once done refresh the frame in your browser (or wait a minute - log out of WHM then log back in). Now you can search for "Setup Spamd Startup Configuration". You'll have 4 option boxes you want to pay attention to the 2nd one. Set "Maximum Children" to 2 which will restrict the number of processes SpamAssassian fires up on startup. Save this and give the server a minute to refresh.

There's 3 simple steps to speed up Wordpress on a VPS server. In just about 5 minutes you have saved your server's memory and processing power and potentially sped up your websites!

If you are looking for a good VPS Server host I recommend HostGator. They have 3 levels of VPS hosting - I would start with level 3. You can use a coupon code "SharedHosting2" to save 25% off your first month.

07-21-2011, 01:24 PM	#1
phowell23 HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: USA Posts: 247 Thanks: 22 Thanked 50 Times in 47 Posts	3 Simple VPS Server Tweaks That Speed Up Wordpress Recently I ran across some VPS server tweaks that I thought I would share on the Warrior Forum that can help speed up Wordpress. These tweaks were very important to me since all of my websites are Wordpress sites. Wordpress is a great and easy way to install and manage websites but the problem is they are memory hogs and can slow down your server. With these free tweaks implemented it frees up memory and potentially your websites. One of the major positives of having a VPS server is you can make these type of changes to it so you should take advantage of that opportunity if you have a VPS server. 1. Disable Mailman What is it? Mailman is a free software for managing electronic mail discussion and e-newsletter lists. If you have Wordpress you don't need this running too as there are plenty of Wordpress plugins that can help manager e-newsletter lists. Also there is PHPList available which only uses resources when it needs to. Why? Mailman sucks up memory constantly for no reason How? WHM >> Server Configuration >> Tweak Settings >> Turn it off by unchecking the box. 2. Adjust Number of Minutes between Mail Server Queue Runs What is it? Number of minutes between mail server queue runs. Smaller number means it runs more often. Why? Each time it runs it increases load on the server (aka it sucks resources) How? WHM >> Server Configuration >> Tweak Settings >> Mail >> Default is 60 - change to 120 or 180 3. Reduce Memory Strain From SpamAssassin What is it? SpamAssassin is a computer program that uses a variety of spam-detection techniques and tries to reduce the amount of spam you receive. Why? Even though SpamAssassin sounds goods it very well can slow down your system too. Simple tweak will reduce that load. How? In WHM search for "Manage Plugins" or scroll down until you see it. Click on Manage Plugins then you'll see spamdconfig - enable that. Once done refresh the frame in your browser (or wait a minute - log out of WHM then log back in). Now you can search for "Setup Spamd Startup Configuration". You'll have 4 option boxes you want to pay attention to the 2nd one. Set "Maximum Children" to 2 which will restrict the number of processes SpamAssassian fires up on startup. Save this and give the server a minute to refresh. There's 3 simple steps to speed up Wordpress on a VPS server. In just about 5 minutes you have saved your server's memory and processing power and potentially sped up your websites! If you are looking for a good VPS Server host I recommend HostGator. They have 3 levels of VPS hosting - I would start with level 3. You can use a coupon code "SharedHosting2" to save 25% off your first month.