Category: Industry Updates

  • Britain’s Most Googled Internet FAQs Revealed 

    Britain’s Most Googled Internet FAQs Revealed 

    Britain’s Most Googled Internet FAQs Revealed

    In the last decade alone, we’ve seen rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital platforms that now power everything from shopping and banking to entertainment and communication. 

    And yet, while technology continues to move at an incredible pace, many people are still trying to understand the fundamentals of how the internet actually works. 

    To explore the UK’s digital curiosity, we analysed search data to uncover the internet-related questions Brits are Googling every month. From technical terms like “IP address” and “bandwidth” to more basic questions about websites and browsers, the data reveals the topics that people across the UK are still keen to understand. 

    Importantly, this isn’t about highlighting a lack of knowledge or poking fun at those asking questions. Instead, the findings highlight the growing curiosity people have about the digital tools they use every day – and the opportunities for businesses and individuals alike to build greater digital confidence. 

    Some of the Most Surprising Searches 

    Beyond the most popular and least common queries, several search terms stand out simply because they reveal how frequently people are trying to understand internet basics. 

    For instance, “who owns the internet” receives around 720 searches in the UK per month, while “what is a tab” sees around 590 monthly searches. Questions about browser cookies also appear regularly, with “what are browser cookies” receiving around 480 searches each month. 

    Even some of the core building blocks of the web generate steady search interest. Questions like “how does the internet work” and “what is a website” both receive approximately 1,300 monthly searches in the UK – a staggering amount. 

    Some of the more unusual searches in the data brought some humour to the data. For example, around 140 people worldwide search for “where is the any key” monthly, referencing the running joke of the “mythical keyboard button” that doesn’t actually exist.  

    Others appear to imagine the internet as a physical place, with searches like “where is the internet located” also appearing in the data. While these questions might raise a smile, they highlight how the internet can still feel abstract to many people, despite being something we use every day. 

    For some, these questions may seem obvious; particularly for those who grew up using the internet daily. However, the results highlight just how much specialised terminology around digital technology there is. Terms like “URL”, “browser”, and “domain” are used constantly online, yet their meanings aren’t always immediately clear. 

    The Nation’s Most Googled Internet FAQs 

    Term UK Avg. Monthly GSV RANK by GSV 
    what is seo 8100 1 
    how do i clear browser cookies 6600 2 
    what is an ip address 6600 2 
    what does a url stand for 3600 4 
    what is a server 3600 4 
    what is broadband 3600 4 
    what is a database 2900 7 
    what is a firewall 2900 7 
    what is bandwidth 2900 7 
    what is html 2900 7 

    *Note: GSV = Google Search Volume 

    At the top of the list sits the question “what is SEO?”, which receives an impressive 8,100 searches every month in the UK. This suggests that many people, particularly businesses and entrepreneurs, are keen to understand how websites appear in search engine results and how online visibility works. 

    Other highly searched terms highlight curiosity around the technical infrastructure behind the internet. Questions about IP addresses, servers, bandwidth and databases all rank highly, showing that people want to better understand how data moves across the web. 

    Website-related terminology also features prominently. Searches for phrases like “what is a domain name,” “what is WordPress,” and “what is a CMS” suggest many users are researching how websites are built and managed. As more individuals and businesses establish an online presence, interest in these foundational topics is only likely to grow. 

    Looking at the Lesser-Searched Questions 

    Term UK Avg. Monthly GSV RANK by GSV 
    what is a web application 390 30 
    what does www mean 260 31 
    what is the difference between http and https 260 31 
    how do i make a website 170 33 
    what is a back end 110 34 
    what is front end 70 35 
    where is the internet located 40 36 
    how do i get more internet 10 37 
    what is a vpn 10 37 
    where is the any key 10 37 
    does clearing history delete it forever 10 37 

    *Note: GSV = Google Search Volume 

    While many internet questions receive thousands of searches each month, some queries appear less frequently but still offer an interesting glimpse into how people think about technology. 

    For example, questions like “where is the internet located” receive around 40 searches in the UK per month, while phrases like “how do I get more internet,” “what is a VPN,” and “where is the any key” receive around 10 searches each month. 

    Although these numbers are small compared to the most searched terms, they highlight how people often conceptualise the internet in physical terms. It’s easy to imagine the internet as something that exists in a single location or as a physical entity, when in reality, it is a vast global network of connected computers, servers and data centres. 

    Other questions reflect everyday digital experiences that can cause confusion. For example, some users search whether clearing their browser history deletes information permanently, suggesting many people are still learning how browsers, internet providers and online data storage work. 

    Insight and Advice 

    While the data highlights the questions people are searching for most often, many of these topics are simply technical terms that form the foundation of how the internet works. 

    To help demystify some of the most common queries, here are simple explanations for several of the most searched internet-related questions in the UK. 

    What is SEO? 

    SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) refers to the process of improving a website so that it appears higher in search engine results such as Google. 

    SEO can involve improving website content, making pages load faster, organising site structure and ensuring search engines can easily understand what a page is about. For businesses, good SEO helps potential customers find their website more easily online. 

    What is an IP address? 

    An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a device on a network. 

    It works a bit like a postal address for your computer or smartphone, allowing information to be sent to and from the correct location when you browse websites or send data online. 

    What does a URL stand for? 

    A URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is the web address you type into a browser to access a specific webpage. 

    For example, when you visit a website like https://example.com, that address is the URL that tells your browser exactly where to find the page you want to view. 

    What is a server? 

    A server is a computer or system that manages, stores and provides data or services to other devices on a network. 

    When a user visits a website or requests information, their device sends a request to the server, which processes it and returns the correct data, such as a webpage, file or application. 

    What is broadband? 

    Broadband refers to a high-speed internet connection that allows users to access the internet quickly and continuously. 

    Most homes and businesses rely on broadband connections delivered through fibre, cable or wireless networks to stream videos, browse websites and use online services. 

    What is HTML? 

    HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language, which is the standard code used to create and structure webpages. 

    It determines how elements like text, images and links appear on a webpage. While modern websites often use additional technologies, HTML remains the core building block of web pages. 

    What the Findings Suggest 

    As more of our daily lives move online, it’s perhaps no surprise that people are increasingly searching for answers about how the internet works. From launching websites and online businesses to navigating digital privacy and security, understanding the foundations of the web has become more relevant than ever. 

    The data suggests that rather than taking technology for granted, many people are actively trying to better understand the systems that power the digital world around them.  

    Looking to Build or Improve Your Website? 

    With searches like “how do I build a website?” appearing regularly in the data, it’s clear many people are thinking about creating their own online presence. But building a website that’s fast, secure and built to grow takes more than just a template. 

    The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Kraam offers expert website design and development services, along with secure hosting and ongoing website maintenance to keep your site running smoothly. 

    If you’re ready to launch or improve your website, get in touch with the Kraam team to discuss your project. 

  • What causes Black Friday server crashes

    What causes Black Friday server crashes

    What causes Black Friday server crashes — and what you can do to prevent them 

    Black Friday is one of the most demanding days of the year for online systems. Some say it’s a true stress test for any IT infrastructure.

    As millions of shoppers flood websites and AIs scrape the best deals, maintaining server performance becomes not just a technical challenge, but a critical business priority.  

    A momentary slowdown or unexpected crash can cost thousands in lost revenue, damage customer trust, and even impact long-term brand reputation. This year, one of North America’s largest retailers, Best Buy, suffered a website outage in the midst of Black Friday shopping season last year. 

    In this guide, we’ll share expert strategies to help your business maintain peak server performance for Black Friday

    What is server performance and why it matters more on Black Friday 

    Server performance refers to how effectively a server can handle and respond to requests. This includes the speed of processing workloads, the ability to manage multiple concurrent users, and the stability of system processes under varying levels of demand. 

    High-performing servers provide: 

    • Fast response times, ensuring users experience minimal delay when loading web pages or accessing applications. 
    • Strong reliability and uptime, reducing the risk of outages that interrupt service delivery. 
    • Scalable capacity, enabling organisations to grow without system slowdowns or errors. 

    The impact on user experience is drastic if you’re servers are slow and outdated. Older servers or ones that can’t support a business’s traffic, can cause page timeouts, sluggish applications, or interrupted online transactions. 

    This can lead to customer frustration, decreased engagement, and lost revenue. Internally, server issues may slow productivity tools, cause delays in data processing, and hinder operational efficiency. 

    Common causes of poor server performance on Black Friday 

    Server performance issues rarely appear without warning. 

    They typically stem from specific underlying causes. The most common include: 

    1. Insufficient resources 

    Servers require sufficient CPU, RAM, storage capacity, and network bandwidth. If any one of these becomes bottlenecked, such as a high CPU load or insufficient memory — performance will drop and server’s response time will increase. 

    Unplanned network traffic spikes caused by heightened traffic during Black Friday sales and AI bots and crawlers adding extra server pressure really highlight resource limitations. 

    2. Application-level inefficiencies 

    Even if hardware is up to the job, inefficient software can worsen your server’s performance.  

    Examples include: 

    • Unoptimised SQL queries 
    • Memory leaks 
    • Excessive logging 
    • Inefficient code loops 

    These inefficiencies cause disproportionate resource usage and slow the system over time. 

    3. Network congestion 

    High demand on network resources can limit data throughput and increase latency. This issue is especially common in distributed systems or environments that rely heavily on external APIs or remote storage. 

    4. Outdated hardware 

    Older servers may not keep up with modern workloads, even when well-maintained. Legacy hardware often lacks the processing power, storage speeds, or efficiency required for newer technologies, meaning websites can be even more susceptible to traffic spikes. 

    5. Misconfiguration issues 

    Incorrectly configured operating systems, network settings, or database parameters can cause network issues or prevent hardware from performing as expected. These issues may not present obvious symptoms at first, but over time they create noticeable performance strain. 

    Want to avoid these issues? 

    Reach out to our hosting and maintenance experts and never worry again. 

    Key server performance metrics to monitor 

    Monitoring your servers is paramount for performance management. The following metrics provide insight into how well your server is functioning: 

    CPU usage 

    Indicates the proportion of processing power being used. Sustained high usage suggests that workloads need optimisation or additional processing capacity. 

    RAM allocation 

    Measures memory utilisation. When free memory runs low, servers may begin swapping memory to disk, drastically reducing performance. Data read from memory is much faster than if that same data was read from disk. 

    Disk I/O 

    Represents how fast the server can read and write data. Slow I/O is a common bottleneck on servers running databases or large file operations — switching to NVMe SSD storage often provides immediate gains. 

    Network throughput 

    Reflects the volume of data being transmitted. Low throughput or high error rates can indicate congestion, misconfigured networking, or failing hardware. 

    Latency and response times 

    Measure how quickly the server responds to requests. High latency often directly impacts end-user experience and is critical to monitor in real time. 

    Optimising server resource usage 

    Optimisation improves efficiency and maintains performance without immediately increasing hardware cost. 

    Use resources smartly 

    If your system is running lots of AI tasks, it’s easy for one big job to slow everything else down.  

    Using tools like Docker or Kubernetes lets you set limits, so no single task eats all your memory or CPU power. When you can, run AI models on GPUs or move them to dedicated inference services — they’re designed for that type of work and can run much faster. It’s common practice to separate worker tasks from your production environment. 

    Make use of caching 

    Caching means saving the results of work you’ve already done, so you don’t repeat it unnecessarily. This is especially helpful for things like: 

    • API responses that are requested often 
    • AI model outputs that don’t change 
    • Embedding or similarity search results 

    Caching keeps your site feeling fast and reduces pressure on your servers and is one of the easiest ways to gain huge performance gains. 

    Balance the load 

    Instead of letting one machine handle all the traffic, spread requests across multiple servers. For AI-heavy applications, it’s often best to send inference requests to machines with GPUs, while letting regular backend tasks run on standard servers.

    This keeps everything running smoothly. For web traffic, load balancing can help distribute the requests across multiple servers to help avoid one server getting overloaded. 

    Cut out unnecessary processes 

    Sometimes the system is being slowed down by things you don’t even need.  

    Doing regular cleanups can help identify: 

    • Background tasks that aren’t in use anymore 
    • Data pipelines that are running constantly without real value 
    • Logging or monitoring tools that are collecting far more than necessary, such as MySQL slow query logging 

    Turning these down or turning them off frees up resources for the work that matters. 
     
    Looking to optimise your server performance?  

    Get in touch with us for tailored solutions.

    Maintenance best practices for long-term performance 

    To make sure that your servers are running at their best, and able to handle the annual Black Friday influx, there are few tips you can bear in mind that can help take the pressure off your systems. 

    Regular updates and patching 

    Keep OS, frameworks, libraries, database engines, and AI libraries updated to ensure you’re using the most efficient and secure versions. 

    Data cleanup and archiving 

    AI workloads generate large logs, checkpoints, embeddings, and analytics outputs. Implement: 

    • Automatic log rotation 
    • Tiered storage for cold data 
    • Policies to remove unused models and datasets 

    This keeps storage fast and responsive. 

    Scheduled stress testing 

    Simulate peak demand (including high concurrency AI-driven traffic) to verify: 

    • Load balancer readiness 
    • Auto-scaling response timing 
    • Cache effectiveness 

    This prevents performance surprises in production. 

    Backup and disaster recovery routines 

    Ensure backups include: 

    • Application data 
    • Configuration files 
    • AI model weights and embeddings 

    If an outage occurs, your replacement servers must support the same performance profile, including GPU if required. 

    When to upgrade or replace server infrastructure 

    Sometimes, no amount of infrastructure management can help you; your servers simply might not be able to keep pace with the demand. 

    To know for sure, you might want to keep an eye out for some of the signs that include: 

    • High CPU/RAM usage continues despite efforts to optimise your existing infrastructure. 
    • Your system suddenly feels slow when it’s processing AI requests or handling lots of database queries at once. 
    • If the server is saving or organising a lot of data quickly, the storage can struggle to keep up, which slows everything else down. 

    All of these factors may suggest the hardware simply cannot meet workload demand. 

    Cost vs. efficiency considerations 

    In some cases, holding on to older setups or trying to stretch existing hardware ends up costing more in the long run. For example, it’s important to consider that: 

    • Using GPUs instead of CPUs for AI tasks can actually lower costs, because they handle inference much more efficiently. 
    • Letting cloud servers scale automatically during busy periods can be cheaper than paying to keep large on-prem servers running all the time “just in case”. 
    • Specialised vector databases are often faster and more efficient for AI search and recommendation features than trying to force a traditional database to do the same job. 

    The key is to look at performance per pound, not just the price tag. A setup that costs a bit more upfront might deliver the same work for far less ongoing time, money, and hassle. 

    Strengthen your website with Kraam 

    With increased traffic heading to retail and ecommerce sites on Black Friday, you need to make sure your security, and servers are ready to handle the surge. 

    Kraam’s comprehensive website development services can help make sure that things run smoothly during the busy period.  

    Are you unsure that your IT infrastructure can handle the load? Kraam’s specialist hosting and maintain services can help you identify areas that need strengthening and work with you to bolster your website’s health. 

    Contact us today and speak to a specialist to find out how you can get started.