What you do in the first few minutes decides how many problems you will have later. This is the list we would follow with a freshly delivered VPS.
1. Log in for the first time
- Windows: with Remote Desktop and the username
Administrator. Step-by-step guide. - Linux: over SSH as
root. Step-by-step guide.
If it has just been created and does not respond, wait 10-15 minutes: the first boot takes a little longer.
2. Set a password of your own
The password in the email has travelled across the internet; change it for a long one you do not use anywhere else.
- Windows: press
Ctrl + Alt + Endinside the remote desktop and choose Change a password. - Linux: type
passwdand follow the prompts.
If you ever lose it, you can generate a new one from the panel.
3. Update the system
- Windows: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, and restart when it finishes. See how to handle updates without them hitting you mid-game.
- Ubuntu / Debian:
apt update && apt upgrade -y4. Open only the ports you will use
Every open port is a door. Open the ones for your game or website and nothing else: the commands are in the Windows and Linux guides.
5. Protect your panel account
Whoever gets into your account can reinstall your server. Turn on two-factor authentication: it takes two minutes.
6. Decide how you will back up
Before you have anything to lose is the best time. See how to back up your VPS.
7. Find your way around the panel
Two minutes and you will know where everything is: your VPS in the panel, tab by tab.
With that done, you can install your own stuff. If it is a game server, there are guides for FiveM, Minecraft, Rust, ARK and more.