Introduction:

When you purchase a dedicated server or Virtual Private Server (VPS), one of the primary methods for accessing and managing it remotely is through Secure Shell (SSH). SSH provides a secure way to connect to your server, execute commands, and perform various administrative tasks. This article will guide you through the process of accessing your server using SSH, covering the steps to connect from Windows using PuTTY, Mac, and Linux desktop computers.

Accessing Your Server:

Receive the Root Password: After purchasing your server, you will receive an email containing the temporary root password for SSH access. This password is essential for your initial login and should be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

Change the Password: For security reasons, the temporary root password should be changed immediately upon the first login. The system will prompt you to change it.

Connecting from Windows using PuTTY:

PuTTY is a popular SSH client for Windows, providing a user-friendly interface for connecting to remote servers.

Download and Install PuTTY: Download PuTTY from the official website (https://www.putty.org/) and follow the installation instructions.

Launch PuTTY: Open PuTTY and enter the server's IP address or hostname in the "Host Name" field.

Configure Connection: Select the SSH protocol and enter the port number (default is 22). Click "Open" to initiate the connection.

Enter Credentials: When prompted, enter "root" as the username and your newly set password.

Connecting from Mac and Linux:

Mac and Linux users can connect to the server using the built-in terminal.

Open Terminal: On Mac, open the Terminal application. On Linux, use the terminal emulator of your choice.

Initiate SSH Connection: Enter the following command, replacing "your_server_ip" with your server's actual IP address:

ssh root@your_server_ip

Enter Password: When prompted, enter your new password.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You have successfully accessed your dedicated server/VPS via SSH. Remember to keep your password secure, and consider using SSH key pairs for enhanced security in the future. This basic guide should help you get started with managing your server remotely.