A VPS gives you a private virtual server with dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage. Unlike shared hosting, you have full control over the environment. This guide walks through your first steps after receiving VPS access.
Receiving Your VPS Credentials
After ordering, you'll receive an email with your VPS IP address, root username, and initial password. Keep these secure. Log in immediately and change the root password.
Connecting for the First Time
Connect via SSH: ssh root@YOUR_VPS_IP. Accept the host key fingerprint. Enter your password. You're now at the server command line with full root access.
Update the System First
Always update before installing anything:
# Ubuntu/Debian\napt update && apt upgrade -y\n\n# CentOS/AlmaLinux\nyum update -yRecommended First Steps
- Change the root password:
passwd - Create a non-root sudo user
- Configure the firewall (UFW or firewalld)
- Set up SSH key authentication and disable password login
- Install your web stack (LAMP, LEMP, or a control panel)