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How to connect to your server

This guide shows you, step by step, how to log in to your Managed VPS from a Windows or Mac computer. It takes a couple of minutes.

Just want your website? If you chose a WordPress or app server, your site is already running - your welcome email and client area show its web address (for example http://your-server-ip). You only need the steps below if you want to manage the server directly.

What you will need

  • Your server login details from your client area: the Server address (IP), Username, and Password.
  • Your computer - nothing to install on Windows 10/11 or Mac.

  1. Open a terminal

    On Windows: click Start, type Terminal (or Command Prompt), and open it.

    On Mac: open Terminal (in Applications → Utilities, or search for it with Spotlight).

  2. Type the connect command

    Type this, replacing the username and address with yours from the client area, then press Enter:

    ssh yourusername@your-server-ip

    The first time, it may ask "Are you sure you want to continue connecting?" - type yes and press Enter.

  3. Enter your password

    Type (or paste) your password and press Enter.

    The password will not show as you type - no dots, no stars. That is normal and it is still working. Just type it and press Enter.

  4. You are in

    You are now connected to your server and can manage it. For your security, change your password soon - once connected, type passwd and press Enter, then follow the prompts.

Connected! You now have full control of your own private server - install software, host your sites, and manage everything your way.

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