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Minimize Download and Response Times

Web users often say speed, or rather the lack of it, is the biggest problem they face in using the Web.

Download times should be as low as possible.

Studies show that most Web users will tolerate a maximum page download time of eight seconds, before giving up, unless they are certain the page will contain the information they need.

The time is takes your Web site to respond is also important. Your site's search engine shouldn't take ten seconds to respond. Unlike with an application, it is harder to give a visual or audial cue to a Web user to reassure them that something is going on, so keep it quick!

If your site is inaccessible, because the server is down, users are also likely to give up on your Web site, so monitoring your server's uptime is also essential.

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