Why is the server basically at a halt a few hours a day?

[MVP]

I still can't get on with Opera but now am able to get on using IE

 

[Babachoo]

Yes SJ is installing a new server to keep up with the growth of the forums. He is experiencing larger bandwidth bills and slower service due to the larger amount of traffic to the site.
One large problem I see that would help is Example here.....
Currently Active Users: 212 (112 members and 100 guests)

Low numbers due to it being 2:00 am est but you see 212 members on the forums. but only 112 that are registered contributing members. The other 100 are NON members (not registered) To save money and increase up time for members (IMHO) The forums should be closed to anyone who is not registers. This means if you are not logged in with a user name you can not read or post. This would save a lot of bandwidth, costs and increase speed & up time.

But doing that completely kills ad revenue and traffic from SERPs.