Getting Started With Your First VPS: A Beginner’s Guide

A VPS gives you your own private server with full root access. That power comes with a little responsibility — here is how to start on the right foot.

1. Connect over SSH

You manage a VPS through SSH (a secure terminal). You will get an IP, a username and a password or key to log in.

2. Update everything first

The very first command should update your packages so you start with the latest security patches.

3. Lock down security

• Create a non-root user and disable direct root login
• Use SSH keys instead of passwords where possible
• Turn on a firewall and only open the ports you need

4. Install a control panel (optional)

Prefer a friendly dashboard? Install CWP and manage sites, email and SSL from your browser instead of the command line.

If you would rather not manage any of this, a Managed VPS hands the setup, updates and security to us.