How to Connect to a Dedicated Server

Connecting to the Server from Linux

When using Linux, the most common way to connect to a dedicated server is via the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. SSH provides an encrypted connection and secure data transfer. Below are the general steps:

Installing the SSH Client (if not already installed)
Most Linux distributions come with an SSH client by default. You can check this by running: ssh -V. If the SSH client is not installed, you can add it using your package manager, for example sudo apt-get install openssh-client.

Obtaining the Connection Details

You will need:

• The server’s IP address or domain name;
• A username (often root or another specifically created user);
• A password or a private SSH key.

Connecting via SSH
To connect, run ssh username@server_IP. If you are using a private key, specify it using the -i option: ssh -i /path/to/key username@server_IP.

Accepting the Server’s Key

On the first connection, SSH may prompt you to confirm the server’s host key. Type yes to proceed. After doing so, you will be placed into the server’s command shell, ready to execute commands.

Connecting to the Server from Windows

On Windows, you can also connect to a dedicated server via SSH or by using Remote Desktop (RDP), depending on the server’s operating system.

Connecting via SSH (Windows)

Using Windows 10/11 built-in SSH client. Open PowerShell or CMD and enter: ssh username@server_IP

Similar to Linux, you may specify a private key if needed. Using PuTTY:

1. Download and install PuTTY.
2. Launch PuTTY and enter the server’s IP address in the “Host Name (or IP address)” field.
3. Choose SSH as the connection type and click “Open.”
4. When prompted, enter your username and password.

Connecting via Remote Desktop (RDP)

If your dedicated server is running Windows Server, you can connect using RDP:

1. Open “Remote Desktop Connection” on your local computer (available by default on Windows).
2. Enter the server’s IP address.
3. Click “Connect.”
4. Enter your username and password.

You will then see the server’s desktop in a window on your local computer.

Additional Tips and Potential Issues

• Security and SSH Keys
  Using SSH keys instead of passwords enhances security. Generate keys with ssh-keygen (on Linux or Windows with Git Bash) and add the public key to the server. This eliminates the need for a password and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
• Network or Firewall Issues
  If the connection fails, it may be because the SSH port (default: 22) or the RDP port (default: 3389) is blocked by a firewall or not configured properly on the router. Check your security settings to ensure the required ports are open.
• Incorrect Username or Password
  Ensure you are using the correct credentials. If you have forgotten the password, you may need to reset it through your hosting provider’s control panel.
• Checking Network Stability
  Before attempting to connect, make sure your internet connection is stable. High latency or packet loss can cause the connection to drop.
• Using a VPN
  If access to the server is restricted by IP address, or if your provider filters certain ports, try connecting via a VPN to bypass these restrictions.
• Conclusion
  Connecting to a dedicated server is straightforward if you know which tool to use. On Linux, SSH is the most common method, while on Windows you can use SSH (through the built-in client or PuTTY) or RDP for Windows Server-based systems. Following security best practices and paying close attention to network settings will help avoid most connection issues.

FAQ

How to Access a Server Folder?

To access a server folder, you need to connect via SSH using an SSH client. Once successfully connected, you can use file management commands (e.g., cd to change directories, ls to list directory contents) to navigate the server’s file system and access the desired folder.

How to View All Files on the Server?

To view all files on the server, you can use the find command in the terminal after connecting via SSH. The find command allows you to search for files based on various criteria such as name, size, or creation date. For example, find / -type f will display all regular files in the entire file system, starting from the root directory.

How to Restrict Server Access by IP Address?

To restrict server access by IP address, configure the firewall accordingly. A firewall allows you to allow or deny connections to specific ports and IP addresses. You can create firewall rules that block all incoming connections except those allowed for certain IP addresses.