I'm running my sql and mud code on a different server then my website and forums. So I think that helps immensely.

Am also using Argila 3.0 but we've altered the code so much it's taking on it's own codebase.

If cost is an issue, you might want to look at using virtualization as well. You could have the base O/S running the game environment then utilize a virtual module environment to handle the database and website.

I utilized VMware Server (which is now free) and setup SuSe 10.2 for the base, installed VMware Server upon it and then created a SuSe 10.2 VM solely for running the hosting website and databases. Game accounts screamed and the website/database VM worked just as fast.

One nice thing about VMware is if you have more up-to-date AMD or Intel chipsets, you can actually take advantage of the virtualization modules the newer chipsets have built into them.

-- M