How to Connect to Your Linux Server via SSH (PuTTY Guide)

SSH (Secure Shell) is how you manage a Linux server remotely. This guide walks from zero to your first successful connection.

What You Need

• Your server IP address (from your hosting dashboard)
• Your username (usually root on a new VPS)
• Your password or SSH key file

Windows: Download and Use PuTTY

1. Download PuTTY from putty.org
2. Enter your server IP in the “Host Name” field
3. Leave Port as 22, click Open
4. Accept the security fingerprint alert on first connect
5. Enter your username and password

Mac / Linux: Use Terminal

ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP

First Commands After Login

# Update all packages
apt-get update && apt-get upgrade -y

# Check RAM usage
free -m

# Check disk space
df -h

Security tip: Change your root password immediately after first login with the passwd command.