Configure Media Temple (dv) Server to Handle the Digg Effect and extreme traffic

Looking to be able to configure my server to handle the digg effect. Right now when my stories hit the digg homepage, the server does not crash, but it is very slow for the first few hours and not loading very well. I'm using [login to view URL] with a dedicated virtual server with maxed out ram. I've found certain sites online that explain that configuring PHP settings and Apache settings can help with the server load but its over my head. Here is an example: [login to view URL] 1.) Does this work with my current server? 2.) Can you make a backup of my settings to test this so that I don't loose it all and it is easily restored? 3.) Have you had experience with the "digg effect"? 4.) Can you configure my server to be able to handle and run smoothly when my stories hit the homepage? You must answer all 4 of these questions to be considered for the job. Thanks!