ServerBrief

Learning path

Your first VPS

From a brand-new server to a secure site with HTTPS, a firewall, updates and backups. Do these before the server holds anything important.

Raspberry Pi in a case on top of a small network switch

A fresh VPS is a blank, internet-facing computer. Follow these steps in order, ideally on the day you create it.

  1. Connect with SSH Log in for the first time.
  2. Set up SSH keys Replace passwords and switch password login off.
  3. Turn on a firewall Close everything except SSH and the web.
  4. Turn on automatic security updates Let the server patch itself.
  5. Install Nginx Serve your first site.
  6. Add a free SSL certificate Switch the site to HTTPS.
  7. Back up the server Copy it somewhere else every night.

Not sure a VPS is right for you? Read managed or unmanaged hosting first.