How to connect to a VPS or VDS

In this article, we will explore how to connect to virtual servers, specifically VPS (Virtual Private Server) and VDS (Virtual Dedicated Server). A virtual server is a portion of a physical server that uses dedicated resources for its operation. A failure in one virtual server does not affect the operation of others. A virtual server is somewhat similar to a remote computer that is always running. To connect to it, you need to know the IP address, username, and password.

How to connect to a virtual server via SFTP

The SFTP protocol is a standard method of connection through an FTP client but executed using the secure SSH protocol. To connect to the server, you will need an FTP client. Our team uses FileZilla.

The steps are the same for any operating system, whether Windows, macOS, or Linux.

To connect to the server, enter the information provided by your provider into the corresponding fields. The server’s IP address goes in the host field, along with the username and password. The default port for connecting to virtual servers is 22; if this does not work, contact your provider to find out the correct connection port.

Now you can interact with your server. On the left, you will see your file system, and on the right, the server’s directory.

How to Connect to a Virtual Server via SSH Protocol

To connect to a virtual server via SSH on Linux and macOS, you can use the built-in terminal. Windows users will need to install a third-party application. Our team uses Git BASH to manage servers.

To connect, open the terminal on Linux and macOS or Git BASH on Windows. Then, enter the command «ssh root@server_IP_address». Press Enter. If a password prompt appears, you’re on the right track. Don’t worry if the password entry is not visible in the terminal! If the information is correct, you will connect to the server and be able to manage it via the terminal.

How to connect to a virtual server via Remote Desktop Protocol

This method is suitable for those who have Windows installed on their server and wish to connect via the built-in RDP client. The steps differ slightly across operating systems, so let’s take a closer look.

Windows users

To connect, press «Win+R» and type «mstsc.exe» to open the application directly. Alternatively, you can use the search function and type «Remote Desktop Connection».

Next, click «Show Options» and enter the IP address in the «Computer» field.

In the «User name» field, enter the username provided by your provider. Usually, this is Administrator or root. Then, click «Connect».

You will likely see a warning that the connection is not certified; simply bypass it by clicking «ok».

macOS users

To use RDP on Apple products, users will need to download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store.

Open the application, click on the «+» located on the top panel. A window will open to add a remote desktop.

In the «PC name» field, enter the IP address. In the next field, «User account», you can leave «Ask when required», which will prompt you to enter your authentication details (username and password) upon connection, or you can set it up in advance.

Save the details by clicking «Add».

Now, in the «PCs» tab, you can find the added devices and easily connect by selecting the one you need.

Linux users

Ubuntu users often have the RDP client Remmina pre-installed. You can check by launching the command line and typing «$ remmina», or by navigating through the application menu: «Internet/Network», «Remmina remote desktop client».

The process of creating a profile is intuitive. Click to add a new connection.

In the «Name» field, you can enter a label for the server. This application allows you to conveniently sort servers into groups, so you can also name the group in the next field.

In the «Basic» tab, fill in the «Server», «Username» and «Password» fields using the data provided by your provider. Then, click «Save and Connect».

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