Server Performance Improvement

[admin]

Hi folks -

Just a quick note to let y'all know I've done some tweaking to the server setup this evening and first impressions are that performance has significantly improved (specifically at the end of a game when things are being tallied, though this should have a trickle down effect to other aspects of the site). Those who play a lot here will probably have a much better view of things than I do so if you do notice a change, or even if you notice its just the same as always, I'd appreciate if you could post your impressions here so I can have a better idea of how the adjustments are working out.

The end-hope is a faster more enjoyable site for everyone.

Thanks!

- Stephen

[TexasAngel]

I have noticed more lag when I am entering words. Sometimes it takes a few seconds to enter words, even when I am typing slower. Sometimes I may be entering them too fast. :o But most of the time I am not.

I have noticed that the score comes up quicker at the end of the game, though. Thumbs up for that. :D

This is a great site!! Keep up the good work!!

Thanks!

[Wordie]

I have noticed since yesterday that I'm able to type the words in faster because they're being checked faster. My scores have risen too. So that's been nice. :)

However, I'm still having the same problem of "freezing up" within the last anywhere from 30 to 2 seconds and not being able to see my final results. Even clicking on "Time's Up" won't get things moving. At the bottom of the screen it shows that many objects are remaining to be downloaded -- and it never finishes. Eventually I get a "Page Not Found" screen and I have to disconnect and reconnect to the Internet. I wonder, is anyone else experiencing this? It's not every game, but it usually happens every day. :(

[admin]

Sorry for today's crash everyone... I've reworked some of the major scripts and I'm hoping this will solve the issue. The game should look and play much as it always has so the average everyday player should notice nothing different.

You may, however, run into new issues and bugs which I've not encountered before as these scripts are literally hot off the presses (or, at least hot off my fingertips). I rushed to get the site back online so there's a fair chance I've left a bug or two in there. If you have any problems or strange issues please post here and I'll fix straight away.

Apart from that, happy boggling!

- Stephen

[poslfit]

It could just be my network connection, but there doesn't seem to be as much of a lag as there used to be between submitting a word and having it accepted. This is messing up my timing, as I have to keep thinking of new words right away. :)

[admin]

Hi poslfit -

Great! I'd hoped the new scripts would be a significant improvement, especially in terms of word checking on-the-fly. So far, no complaints, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything's working as it should. :-)

I have noticed that the game's a bit screwy in Safari.... my apologies to the Mac-nuts amongst us. I plan to go over the code with a fine-toothed comb on the weekend to make sure that Safari play is just as smooth as in the other major browsers.

[Wordie]

Admin,

Who are you and where did you come from? -- How do you know how to do all these things you are doing? I'm awed by your technical expertise.

A lowly mortal ;)

[admin]

LOL - thanks Wordie! I'm an IT-geek in my "real world" job, so that helps. :-)

Happy solving -

- Stephen