Linux VPS<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>, developers commonly connect through SSH.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom a terminal, the connection generally follows this structure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ssh username@your-server-ip<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nYour hosting provider will normally provide the server IP address and initial login credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are using Windows, you can connect through an SSH client or Windows Terminal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After connecting, verify that you are working on the correct server before making configuration changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Step 2: Update the Operating System<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe first administrative task should be updating the server packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Ubuntu or Debian-based systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
sudo apt update\nsudo apt upgrade -y<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nKeeping packages updated helps ensure that your server receives available security patches and bug fixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also regularly check for updates instead of treating server maintenance as a one-time task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Step 3: Create a Separate User<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAvoid performing every task using the root account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Create a regular administrative user:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
sudo adduser developer<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThen give the user appropriate administrative privileges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
sudo usermod -aG sudo developer<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nYou can then log in using the new account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This creates an additional layer of protection because you are not constantly operating as root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Step 4: Configure SSH Keys<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSSH keys are generally safer and more convenient than relying only on passwords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On your local computer, you can generate an SSH key pair:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ssh-keygen<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nThe public key can then be added to the server’s authorized keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once key-based authentication is working, you can consider disabling password-based SSH authentication, but test key access first so you do not accidentally lock yourself out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Step 5: Configure the Firewall<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nA firewall helps control which network services are accessible from the internet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ubuntu users can use UFW:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
sudo ufw allow OpenSSH\nsudo ufw allow 80\/tcp\nsudo ufw allow 443\/tcp\nsudo ufw enable<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\nPort 80 is commonly used for HTTP traffic, while port 443 is used for HTTPS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do not open ports simply because they are available. Only expose services that your application actually requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Step 6: Install Git