How-to successfully run a private server!

[turtleswin]

If your reading this, your probably asking yourself... "Why are my players and staff going rampant?!" or "How do I run a server successfully?" Well, have no fear, Turtleswin is here!
Running a server is not an easy task. You may think being a GM/Owner is 100% fun and games, but thats not true. You have to get good staff, take care of player issues, right down serious bugs and MUCH more. This guide can't guarantee success, but you may find it VERY helpful!

Step 1. The most anticipated step... The staff! Many servers start out like "Well, talk to our head of staff!". That is the first error. You do NOT need head of anything until you break around 100 players regularly, if not 300. Maybe a developer, if not 2. Development is one of the BIGGEST requirements for even TrinityCore. Hence I will tell you this: YOU CANNOT run a server off a repack! You can make small bug fixes such as HP changing, sure, but you cannot compile a new script or fix a spell. Heres what you should have when you FIRST start: You, a developer or two, and possibly a gamemaster that handles player support. ONLY 1 GAMEMASTER! You, being the owner/administrator.. Your the boss, you run the whole shibang.

Step 2. The BETA/"Alpha". You may be wondering "HOW DO I TEST STUFFZ THO?1". Perhaps, consider an open BETA for friends. We all know that you can't have an alpha. alpha's are ONLY for NEW games, not emulated games. Have your BETA, have a cheap forum site like webs.com for bug reports, and you'll be okay! How to fix bugs you may be wondering? Well, i'll possibly make a guide later, until then get a competent developer!

Step 3. Dedication! You and I both know you can't just pay $30 a month in fee's. You have to buy a host, you have to buy more RAM, lots of stuff. However, donations work. I'll go into donations in the 5th step. You will need to dedicate $200+ a month in fee's if you want to run a good server. A Windows server takes 2 Gigs of RAM for 50 players casting and playing, whereas Linux/Ubuntu only takes 1 Gig.

Step 4. The computer/Host! While I prefer Windows, it takes SO much more RAM to run a server on. Precisely 1 Gig more per 30-50 players. I couldn't run a server on my computer because I only have 1.75 Gigs of RAM and a 145 AMD/Semprom processor with 2.80GHz. A Linux takes ALOT more time and paying attention to compile on than a Windows computer. Personally, I prefer Windows because its easier and can run EXE's without Wine. Linux however, is 30x better for running a server, and can use 64Bit compiling. If you read my previous guide, you CAN run a server on a 64 Bit Windows, but need to compile with 32Bit settings! So, pretty much LINUX dominates.

Step 5. Donations. Some of us hate them, some of us love them. However, these donations are required if you are not a wealthy person. However, you should start out with cheap donations like: Pet mini Qiraji-Gladiator for $5, a pet for $5 is a bit much, but its an example. You can indeed make custom pets, but i'll make a guide on that later!

Step 6. The staff requirements! "I wanna be a GM here because I like to help". We know thats a lie, they most likely want power or to be superior. Just make sure you can trust them and reward them when possible, perhaps with a free donation shop pet once every 3months. If they are trustworthy, its a good start. Be sure to limit GM commands in the DB

Step 7. Good luck! I've gone over the big stuff, so just be careful and good luck! It's a very tough thing to do, running a server, but I have faith in you! Just be sure that you have dedication and don't just want to have power over everyone, because thats not a good reason. Good luck, everyone!

Want to contact me outside of OwnedCore? Skype request me: iamaturtlehehe

Thanks for reading, best regards,


-Turtleswin

[turtleswin]

36 views, no comment? C'mon guys, how am I doing at these guides?

[skeletonboy360]

Awesome, happy? ^-^

[turtleswin]

Awesome, happy? ^-^

>:L Not really! LOL

[Harambeqt]

"YOU CANNOT run a server off a repack!" best part. haha
nice guide, agreed with most of the points +r!

[turtleswin]

"YOU CANNOT run a server off a repack!" best part. haha
nice guide, agreed with most of the points +r!

Thanks so much! I may contemplate making a repack soon, actually. I'm not one for repacks though

[LilleCarl]

About repacks: True as hell!
About Linux: As you have your linux server setup done, it is less management than it would be on a Windows server.

About this overall: You are soo right in many cases, some issues... But i approve this guide to be useful for most people!

[turtleswin]

Can you tell me where my flaws are?

[shogo238]

Very nice guide. I'm tossing around the idea of making a small "for friends and family only" server. Just got a little more motivation to do so.

would give +r.... but i has no rep powers to divvy out

[MiyokoC]

Very nice guide

[turtleswin]

Thanks!

[iMurloc]

"YOU CANNOT run a server off a repack!" best part. haha
nice guide, agreed with most of the points +r!

Word, haha.
Nice guide

[turtleswin]

Bit late, but glad you liked it. Been inactive for a bit of time now.