How to Connect to a Linux Server via SSH

Introduction: Secure Shell (SSH) is a secure protocol that allows you to establish an encrypted network connection to your Linux server. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to use SSH to connect to your server, ensuring secure and reliable access.

Prerequisites: Before you begin, ensure you have the following data at hand:

• User Name: The username you'll use to access the server.
• Password: The password associated with the user. This password was provided during the server creation process.
• Host Name / Target: The IP address of your server. You can find this information in the Cloud Panel, under Infrastructure > Servers.
• Port: By default, SSH uses port 22. In most cases, you won't need to specify the port.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open a Terminal:

   • On Windows: Use an SSH client like PuTTY or PowerShell.
   • On macOS and Linux: Open the Terminal.

2. Establish the Connection:

   • In the terminal, enter the following command, replacing username with your actual username and server_ip with your server's IP address:
     ssh username@server_ip

3. Enter Password:

   • When prompted, enter the password associated with the username. Note that the password was displayed during the server creation process.

4. Connection Established:

   • Once you've entered the correct password, the connection will be established, and you'll gain access to the server's command-line interface.

Notes:

• SSH ensures a secure and encrypted connection, protecting your data during transmission.
• For added security, consider using SSH key pairs instead of passwords for authentication.
• The default port for SSH is 22, which is why you usually don't need to specify the port in the command.
• Ensure you're using the correct IP address and credentials to avoid connection issues.

By following these steps, you'll be able to connect to your Linux server using SSH, enabling you to manage and administer your server securely and efficiently.