How to Run a Successful Minecraft Server

Get the latest bukkit/spigot server release at https://bukkit.org/ if you want a bukkit/spigot server, or if you want some extra speed you can always run a vanilla server which can be found at Minecraft.net

Be wary of the number of plugins installed. If you're running a bukkit/spigot server, the less plugins installed, the better the performance. It also depends on how resource-intensive the plugins are.

Install some anti-grief plugins such as CoreProtect, HawkEye, or LogBlock. Some users use Big Brother, but be aware it has been known to cause block lag. Such plugins allow the server to "undo" changes in blocks.

Test the admins when you get them. They need to have played on your server for a while and have helped out where they could.

Prevent your server from being overtaken by hackers. Use the "NoCheatPlus" plugin as it prevents players from using various hacks.

Ensure your computer is properly cooled. If you're hosting your minecraft server from your home, make sure you have proper cooling so your server computer doesn't overheat and result in downtime.

• Also, if your computer overheats and doesn't shut down, then this could have a nasty result to your hardware and maybe other things, as well.

Consider running Linux. If your server is low on resources or if you're feeling adventurous, then try using Linux. It conserves resources and many owners agree that it is more customizable.

Prevent chat spam with the plugin "StopTalkingAutoBan". If you do not have a plugin to stop chat spam, then players may get annoyed and leave the server. Sometimes they may not come back!

Make sure your server is allocated with enough ram to handle the player base.

Make sure all public areas are functional and beautiful. Architecture is important. This will get more players on your server, and when people like what they see, then they will spread word about your server and how beautiful it is.

Advertise to help you get more players. Post your server on the planetminecraft.com server list and keep it updated. You can also try other server advertising services.

Consider expanding using donations. Donations can always help you, to pay for new hardware or cover your server costs. The best way to get donations is not when a player asks to be admin, tell them they can if they donate, but instead make your server better, gain players trust, and overall make the donations worth it. The best way to collect donations is through PayPal. It's safe and fast.

Explore other ways to cover your costs. In-game advertising networks for Minecraft Servers like AdCraft.io can also help you cover your server costs

Protect your system. Now what happens if you get a hacker or a player who's stopping your server? If they are an operator [OP] run the command /deop <playername>. If not, then use the command /ban <playername>. IP banning is one of the best methods to stop the player from using alternate accounts[alts]. This system is not perfect, because they can use a VPN or proxy to bypass this ban, but it blocks the majority of players.

Prepare for Internet or network issues. DDoS is something that might happen to you. If your entire network crashes or you lose Internet while running your server, you may have been DDoSed. Best thing to do is wait it out, or try restarting your router or modem.

Look up "Port Forwarding" and get your self setup. It's not a hard process but it can be stressful.

Use Teamspeak while running your server. This way you can talk to players or admins to see what's going on and how things are going. It's fun, and will help keep you updated.

Beware of causing harm to your computer. Can't keep up message, well now you've got a problem. You either have too many players on, or your server can no longer handle running a Minecraft server. Stop if that's the case to prevent damage to your PC.

Run your server on a desktop at all times. Laptops are less powerful when it comes to processing data.

Improve the operating memory. Can't give your server more than 2gb of Ram, yet you have 6gb of Ram in your PC? Easy, just install 64bit Java runtime if you have a 64bit OS, if not you will need to get one.