Step-by-Step Guide to Logging in to Your Server Using SSH

this guide shows you three easy ways to connect to your VPS or cloud server. Choose the method that works best for you.

What You Need

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Your server IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100)
• Your username (usually “root”)
• Your password or SSH key

Method 1: Using PuTTY (Windows)

PuTTY is a free SSH client for Windows. Download it from putty.org.

Password Login

Step 1: Enter Server Details

• Open PuTTY
• Enter your server IP address in “Host Name”
• Make sure “SSH” is selected

Step 2: Set Port and Connection Type

• Keep Port as “22” (default)
• Make sure “SSH” is selected under Connection type

Step 3: Save Your Session

• Enter a name for your connection (e.g., “My Server”)
• Click “Save”
• Click “Open” to connect

Step 4: Login

• When prompted, enter your username (usually “root”)
• Enter your password (you won’t see it as you type)
• Press Enter

SSH Key Login

Step 1: Generate SSH Keys

• Open PuTTYgen (comes with PuTTY)
• Click “Generate”
• Move your mouse around to create randomness
• Add a passphrase for security
• Click “Save private key” (save as .ppk file)
• Copy the public key text

Step 2: Install Public Key on Server

• Login to your server using password method
• Run: mkdir -p ~/.ssh
• Run: echo "your-public-key-here" >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
• Run: chmod 600 ~/.ssh/authorized_keys

Step 3: Configure PuTTY for Key Authentication

• In PuTTY, go to Connection > SSH > Auth
• Browse and select your private key (.ppk file)
• Save the session
• Click “Open” to connect

Method 2: Using Termius (Cross-Platform)

Termius is a modern SSH client that works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile devices. Download from termius.com.

Password Login

Step 1: Create New Host

• Open Termius
• Click “New Host”

Step 2: Enter Connection Details

• Hostname: Enter your server IP address
• Port: 22
• Username: root (or your username)

Step 3: Add Password and Connect

• Enter your password
• Make sure “Password” is selected
• Click “Connect”

SSH Key Login

Step 1: Generate SSH Key

• In Termius, go to Keychain
• Click “Generate Key”
• Choose key type (Ed25519 recommended)
• Add a passphrase
• Save the key

Step 2: Deploy Public Key

• Termius can automatically deploy your key
• Or manually copy the public key to your server’s ~/.ssh/authorized_keys file

Step 3: Configure Host for Key Authentication

• Edit your host settings
• Change authentication method to “SSH Key”
• Select your key from the dropdown
• Save and connect

Method 3: Using Terminal/Command Line (Linux/Mac/Windows)

This method uses the built-in terminal on Linux and Mac, or PowerShell/WSL on Windows.

Password Login

Step 1: Open Terminal

• Linux: Press Ctrl+Alt+T or search for “Terminal”
• Mac: Press Cmd+Space, type “Terminal”
• Windows: Open PowerShell or install WSL

Step 2: Run SSH Command

Type this command (replace with your details):

ssh username@your_server_ip

Example:

ssh root@192.168.1.100

Step 3: Enter Password

• Type “yes” if asked about host authenticity
• Enter your password when prompted
• You won’t see the password as you type

SSH Key Login

Step 1: Generate SSH Key

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096

• Press Enter to use default location
• Enter a passphrase (optional but recommended)

Step 2: Copy Public Key to Server

ssh-copy-id username@your_server_ip

• Enter your password when prompted
• This automatically installs your public key

Step 3: Connect with Key

ssh username@your_server_ip

• You’ll be prompted for your key passphrase (if you set one)
• No server password needed

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

• Check if your server is running
• Verify the IP address and port
• Check firewall settings

Authentication Failed

• Double-check your username and password
• Make sure SSH keys are properly installed
• Verify file permissions on SSH key files

Host Key Verification Failed

• This happens when server keys change
• Remove old key: ssh-keygen -R your_server_ip
• Connect again and accept the new key

Security Tips

1. Use SSH Keys: More secure than passwords
2. Change Default Port: Use a port other than 22
3. Disable Root Login: Create a regular user account
4. Use Strong Passwords: If using password authentication
5. Keep Software Updated: Update your SSH client regularly

Need Help?

If you’re having trouble connecting to your SMKCloud.tech server:

1. Check your server status in the control panel
2. Verify your login credentials
3. Contact our support team for assistance
   
   This guide covers the most common ways to connect to your server. Choose the method that works best for your operating system and preferences.