SSH (Secure Shell) lets you connect to and manage your Hordanso VPS server from the command line. This is how you install software, manage services, configure your server, and run scripts.
What You Need
- Your server IP address (from your welcome email)
- SSH username (usually root for a fresh VPS)
- SSH password or SSH key (from your welcome email)
- SSH port (usually 22 by default, or 49152 on Hordanso-configured servers)
Connecting via Terminal (Mac / Linux)
- Open your Terminal application.
- Type the following command and press Enter:
ssh root@your-server-IP
Or, if using a custom port (e.g., 49152):
ssh -p 49152 root@your-server-IP
- When prompted, type your SSH password and press Enter. Note: the cursor will not move when typing a password — this is normal.
- You are now connected to your server.
Connecting via PuTTY (Windows)
See How to Connect to VPS via PuTTY (VPS-02) for a full guide.
Using SSH Keys (More Secure)
If your welcome email includes an SSH private key file (.pem or .ppk):
On Mac/Linux:
ssh -i /path/to/keyfile.pem root@your-server-IP
On Windows (PuTTY):
Load the .ppk key file in PuTTY's Auth settings under Connection > SSH > Auth.
Basic Commands After Connecting
- ls — list files in the current directory
- cd /folder — change directory
- sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade — update packages (Ubuntu/Debian)
- systemctl status nginx — check if Nginx is running
- exit — disconnect from the server
Tip: Change your root password immediately after first login: passwd
