Lessons Learned

xCache and Optimization

I have blogged about my fascination with server optimization in the past and this is a continuation on from that discussion about my quest to help ease server load and continue to learn new great practices in the process.   Here is a list of some of the recent things I have looked at:

1. Introduced the new multiple database code from WPMU Premium that works with the WPMU 1.5.1 release.   I changed my mind about the need for 256 databases as my goals have changed on what I think my install will eventually looked at and have opted to go to 16 databases again with a series of additional VIP databases for certain blogs and functionality.   My installation isn’t as large as many and certainly will be fine with 16+.   I am also testing out the DB code from HyperDB and from Cafespain with great results.
2. I am working on different replication scenarios for both file and database redundancy.   Right now I have mySQL replication working for all the databases on another server and using it as well for data backups up and above server snapshots and off-site data backups.    The master-slave relationship is working great and allows me to have increased database backups from the slave without ever having to take the main databases down.    Shortly I will also have the configuration setup for the slave to take over serving data if the master database goes down for any reason as well.
3. It has been fun playing around with the various php acceleration and caching packages out there.   I tested out xCache and eAccelerator and found that they significantly help server load as much of the common queries are cached.   Introducing Object Cache into the WPMU backend also is helping.   Don’t forget that wp-super-cache from Donncha is also a great tool on the popular sites even though it cannot be introduced site-wide since it seems to cache all the private sites as well!
4. Looking at cost-benefit relationship of having 3 smaller servers versus 1 or 2 larger servers for running all my sites.    Not that there is significant downtime on a larger server that has enough power to run my sites, but it might actually be cheaper to have smaller servers running various parts of my sites.   The only real issues I see with the multiple server setup is the introduction of more fail points at the cost of load balancing.   I am sure there are several configurations that can be used to offer more “redundancy”, but without extremely large traffic the question is whether it is all worth it.

The interesting thing for me is just all different options out there to customize what works best for each site.   I am currently running on a larger server with resources for growth with a smaller server to keep constant backups of what I am doing.    This is more than enough for the next while for what I am doing, but I am open to other suggestions out there.

If you have something I should be looking at, please let me know!

Bad Grammer

It is nice to see that Collin is back online and posting away! I always get a kick out of his blog and some of the things he finds. For instance, how about this gif ?

In typical Collin fashion it is highlighted for all to see on every blog entry Thanks for the laugh my friend!

Beckham Game Video

I mentioned earlier about being at the game featuring the LA Galaxy and the Vancouver Whitecaps, but wanted to share this video from the game introducing “David Beckham”!

LA Galaxy At Commonwealth

We were lucky enough to get tickets to watch the LA Galaxy, led by David Beckham, take on the Vancouver Whitecaps. The Vancouver team was able to win the game 2-1, but Beckham still managed to get an assist. The weather was far from as cold as it could have been, but it really wasn’t that pleasant with the rain coming in a couple of times during the game. See the photos and videos here!

I remember my days of living in England back in 1998 and 1999 watching David Beckham play in Manchester as well as at Wimbledon. He was really a rising star at that point and I also watched him play (on TV) at the World Cup. His “red card” got some attention, but that really isn’t the point of this post!

With a slow start, Beckham wasn’t really up to what I remembered about him. As the game went on though, his performance improved and he had a few passes that resembled the greatness that I remembered. It was exciting for my 3 year old son to watch the game and he will be sure to tell his friends about it tomorrow
The game was an exhibition match to raise money for local sports agencies and I was happy to do my part by attending the game. As mentioned above, I have several pictures and a few videos on my flickr page.

Computer Illusion

‘The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant.
We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.’
A. Einstein

If you look at the above images from your seat in front of the computer, Mr. Angry is on the left, and Ms. Calm is on the right.

Get up from your seat, and move back 12 feet, and PRESTO!! they switch places!!

It is said this illusion was created by Phillippe G.Schyns and Aude Oliva of the University of Glasgow .

Does this prove that we sometimes may not be seeing what’s actually there?

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