SSH (Secure Shell) is the standard method for connecting to and managing your server remotely. It provides an encrypted connection between your local computer and your server, allowing you to execute commands, transfer files, and configure your system securely.

This guide covers how to connect to your Data Mammoth VPS from Windows, macOS, and Linux, including first-time connection steps and essential commands to run after logging in.

Prerequisites

Before connecting, make sure you have:

• An active server. Your VPS must be provisioned and showing as Active in your Data Mammoth dashboard. If you have not ordered a server yet, see How to Order Your First Server.
• Server credentials. You need your server's IP address, username (usually root), and password. These were sent to your email after provisioning and are also available in your dashboard under Services > [Your Server].
• An SSH client. macOS and Linux include a built-in terminal. Windows 10/11 includes OpenSSH in PowerShell, or you can use a dedicated client like PuTTY.

Finding Your Server IP Address and Credentials

Keep these credentials handy. You will need them in the next steps.

Connecting from macOS and Linux

macOS and Linux both include a terminal application with a built-in SSH client. No additional software is required.

Step 1 — Open Terminal

• macOS: Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities, or press Cmd + Space and type "Terminal."
• Linux: Open your preferred terminal emulator (e.g., GNOME Terminal, Konsole, or xterm).

Step 2 — Run the SSH Command

Type the following command, replacing the IP address with your server's actual IP:

ssh [email protected]

If your server uses a non-standard SSH port (anything other than 22), specify it with the -p flag:

ssh -p 2222 [email protected]

Step 3 — Accept the Host Key

The first time you connect to a server, your SSH client displays a message like:

The authenticity of host '203.0.113.10' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

This is normal and expected. It means your computer has never connected to this server before. Type yes and press Enter. The server's fingerprint is saved to your ~/.ssh/known_hosts file, and you will not see this prompt again for the same server.

Step 4 — Enter Your Password

After accepting the host key, you are prompted for the password:

[email protected]'s password:

Type your server password and press Enter. Note that the cursor does not move while typing — this is a security feature, not a bug. If the password is correct, you will see the server's command prompt, confirming that you are connected.

Connecting from Windows

Windows offers multiple ways to connect via SSH.

Option A — Windows PowerShell (Windows 10/11)

Windows 10 and later include an OpenSSH client by default.

ssh [email protected]

The process is identical to macOS and Linux from this point.

Option B — PuTTY

PuTTY is a free, dedicated SSH client for Windows, popular with users who prefer a graphical interface.

You are now connected to your server.

Option C — Windows Terminal

If you have Windows Terminal installed (available from the Microsoft Store), you can open a new tab with PowerShell or Command Prompt and use the same ssh command:

ssh [email protected]

First-Time Connection — What to Do After Logging In

Once connected to your server for the first time, run through these essential steps:

1. Change the Root Password

Replace the auto-generated password with a strong password of your own:

passwd

You will be prompted to enter and confirm your new password.

2. Update the System

Install the latest security patches and package updates:

# Ubuntu / Debian
apt update && apt upgrade -y
AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux / CentOS
dnf update -y

3. Create a Non-Root User

Running everything as root is a security risk. Create a regular user with sudo privileges:

# Create the user
adduser demo
Grant sudo privileges (Ubuntu/Debian)
usermod -aG sudo demo
Grant sudo privileges (AlmaLinux/Rocky/CentOS)
usermod -aG wheel demo

You can then connect as this user instead of root:

ssh [email protected]

4. Set Up SSH Key Authentication (Recommended)

SSH keys are more secure than passwords. To set up key-based authentication:

On your local computer, generate a key pair (if you do not already have one):

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "[email protected]"

Press Enter to accept the default file location. Optionally set a passphrase for added security.

Copy the public key to your server:

ssh-copy-id [email protected]

After copying, test the connection — you should be able to log in without entering a password:

ssh [email protected]

5. Check Server Resources

Verify your server's resources to confirm everything matches your plan:

# Check CPU information
nproc
Check available memory
free -h
Check disk space
df -h

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you cannot connect to your server via SSH, check the following:

• Is the server running? Log in to your Data Mammoth dashboard and verify the server status is Active.
• Is the IP address correct? Double-check the IP in your dashboard.
• Is SSH running on the server? If you have access to the web console in your dashboard, use it to verify that the SSH service is running.
• Is a firewall blocking the connection? Ensure port 22 (or your custom SSH port) is open.
• Are your credentials correct? Try resetting the root password from your dashboard.

What to Do Next

Now that you are connected, you can begin configuring and deploying on your server:

• What Is VPS Hosting? — Understand the foundations of your server environment.
• High CPU Usage — Diagnosis & Fix — Learn to monitor and optimize server performance.
• Disk Full — How to Free Space — Keep your server storage healthy.

Need Help?

If you are unable to connect after trying the steps above, open a support ticket from your Data Mammoth dashboard. Include your server IP address, the error message you are seeing, and the SSH client you are using. Our team will help you get connected as quickly as possible.