What are the routines to maintain a dedicated server?

[Ryeon]

So far i know we can:

• Restart server every few hours
  
• Cleanup save files occasionally using https://github.com/magicbear/palworld-server-toolkit

Is there anything else?

[Wat]

Besides setting it up and starting it...

- Periodically shutdown/update/restart the server.
- Periodically backup saves.
- Restart the server in case of a crash.

If something goes wrong, then pick the last good backup and restore it.

About security, I recommend sandboxing the Palworld Dedicated Server, specially as it will be periodically updated.

[xXowieXx]

Originally posted by Ryeon:

So far i know we can:

• Restart server every few hours
  
• Cleanup save files occasionally using https://github.com/magicbear/palworld-server-toolkit

Is there anything else?

Maintaining a dedicated server involves a series of routine tasks aimed at ensuring optimal performance, security, and user satisfaction. Here are some key routines in addition to the ones you've mentioned:

Regular Updates: Keep the server's operating system and all related software, including the game server software itself, up to date with the latest patches and versions. This helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures compatibility.

Backup: Implement a regular backup schedule for your server data and configurations. This is crucial for recovery in case of data loss or corruption. It's advisable to store backups in a separate location from the server.

Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on server performance metrics like CPU usage, memory usage, disk space, and network bandwidth. Monitoring can help identify potential issues before they become problems.

Security Measures: Regularly review and update security measures. This includes managing firewalls, ensuring proper encryption practices are in place, and using secure protocols for data transmission. Regularly changing passwords and using strong authentication methods can also enhance security.

Log Management: Regularly review server logs for any unusual activity that could indicate a problem or security issue. Automated tools can help highlight potential issues within logs.

User Management: Keep track of user access and permissions, ensuring that users have the appropriate level of access for their needs and that former users' access is revoked.

Optimization: Based on monitoring data, optimize server settings for performance. This might include adjusting game server configurations, balancing loads more effectively, or upgrading hardware components if necessary.

Community Engagement: For game servers, engaging with your player community can provide valuable feedback on server performance, potential improvements, and desired features.

Disaster Recovery Plan: Have a plan in place for recovering from severe issues, such as hardware failures, data breaches, or natural disasters. This includes knowing how to quickly restore backups and get your server back online.

Documentation: Keep detailed documentation of your server setup, configurations, routine maintenance procedures, and any troubleshooting steps for common issues. This can be invaluable for resolving future problems more efficiently.

Maintaining a dedicated server is an ongoing process that requires attention to detail and proactive management. By establishing and following a comprehensive maintenance routine, you can ensure your server remains secure, efficient, and enjoyable for its users.