Getting Started with VPS

If you have never used a Virtual Private Server before, it may appear to be an overwhelming and difficult job to manage one. We have created this Getting Started guide to help you work through the process of learning how to use your new Virtual Private Server.

1. How to Access your Virtual Private Server

   When you ordered your new Virtual Private Server, you should have recieved an E-Mail message containing some of the essential information you need in order to access your new server. The key information which you will need to remember is outlined here.

   • username - the username is the name of the Virtual Private Server administrative user. This user has access to the UNIX shell, FTP, E-mail, and more.

   • password - when you ordered your Virtual Private Server, you set up a password for your primary user. You will need to use this password to access your server, so it is a good idea to write it down and keep it in a safe place.

   • IP Address - The IP address of your Virtual Private Server is similar to a street address, in that it tells other computers on the Internet how to find your server. Any domain names you want to use on your server will need to be pointed at your Virtual Private Server's IP address.

   • Temporary Domain Name - When your Virtual Private Server was set up, we assigned a temporary domain name to it. You can use this domain to access your server until you get your own domain name set up.

2. Connecting to your Server

   Once you know your username, password, and either the IP address or domain name of your new Virtual Private Server, you can access your server in one of several different ways.

   • UNIX Command Shell - The UNIX Shell is a text-based command interface for your server, in many ways similar to DOS on an old PC, only with much more power. For more on using the UNIX command shell, see our page on Using SSH and Telnet.

   • File Transfer Protocol (FTP) - FTP is the most common method for Transferring Files to and from your Virtual Private Server. This is what you will use to upload your Web site to your server.

   • E-Mail - Your Virtual Private Server has the ability to send and recieve E-Mail for users on your server.

   • Web - One of the most popular uses for Virtual Private Servers is to host Web sites. Your server can host multiple Web sites with the powerful Apache Web Server.

3. First Steps

   Once you have learned how to access your Virtual Private Server, the first steps are to configure the server for your use.

   • Upload Content to your Virtual Private Server - One of the first things you will want to do is upload your Web site to the server. The primary Web site belongs in the ~/www/htdocs/ directory on your server. Use one of the methods for Transferring files to and from your Virtual Private Server to put your Web site on the server.

   • Create E-Mail and FTP User Accounts - You have the ability to setup E-Mail Aliases, and E-Mail and FTP User Accounts. It's very easy to do by following these step-by-step instructions.
     

4. Moving Forward

   Once you have mastered the basics, there are a number of options for extending and customizing the way your Virtual Private Server works.

   • FreeBSD Virtual Private Server Help

   • Solaris Virtual Private Server Help

Please note: the information on this page applies to ITS web hosting plans. It may or may not apply to other environments. If you are looking for a feature described here, or better support from your hosting provider, please consider hosting your site with ITS!

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