When you purchase a VPS or dedicated server hosting solution, SSH will serve as your primary method of interacting with the server. While third-party vendors often provide control panels like Plesk to simplify server management, tasks such as initial setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting are typically carried out via the command line interface (the shell).
The Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) is a cryptographic protocol designed to securely operate network services over an unsecured network. Its primary uses include remote login and executing commands directly in the server's terminal.
SSH functions using a client-server architecture, where an SSH client communicates with an SSH server. It operates as a layered protocol suite with three key components:
- The transport layer ensures authentication of the server, as well as data confidentiality and integrity.
- The user authentication protocol verifies the user’s identity to the server.
- The connection protocol enables the encrypted tunnel to be split into multiple logical communication channels.
Most Linux distributions have SSH installed and enabled by default, and you can access it from your command prompt, often referred to as "terminal" or "console," depending on your operating system. To connect, simply use the following command:
ssh root@<ip-address>
After entering this command, you'll be prompted to provide a password, which is typically the root password sent to you via email when your account was created.
