Getting Started with Debian 13 (Trixie) on Your VPS

Debian 13 (Trixie) is the upcoming Debian release with cutting-edge packages, modern tooling, and latest kernel versions. While still in testing, Debian 13 offers the newest software versions. Suitable for developers and those needing latest features. Stable security support planned for release.

About Debian 13

• Status: Testing (released 2024, coming to stable)
• Kernel: Linux 6.7+
• Package updates: More frequent than Debian 12
• Features: Latest versions of developer tools, containers, Python, Node.js
• Best for: Development, modern applications, cutting-edge tech

Connect via SSH

ssh root@your-vps-ip

# With SSH key (recommended)
ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_rsa root@your-vps-ip

You're now logged in as root. Create a regular user for daily tasks.

Update System

# Update package lists and upgrade
apt update && apt upgrade -y && apt autoremove -y

# Install essential build tools
apt install -y build-essential curl wget git
apt install -y vim nano htop

Security Hardening

# Install and configure firewall
apt install ufw -y
ufw default deny incoming
ufw default allow outgoing

# Allow essential ports
ufw allow 22/tcp     # SSH
ufw allow 80/tcp     # HTTP
ufw allow 443/tcp    # HTTPS
ufw enable

# Install fail2ban to block brute-force attacks
apt install fail2ban -y
systemctl start fail2ban
systemctl enable fail2ban

Install Tools

# Development tools
apt install -y python3 python3-pip node.js npm

# Docker (if needed for containers)
apt install -y docker.io docker-compose-plugin

# Utilities
apt install -y htop tmux screen unzip zip

Network Configuration

# Check network status
ip addr show
ip route show

# DNS configuration (if needed)
cat /etc/resolv.conf

# Network interfaces (Debian 13 uses netplan)
cat /etc/netplan/01-netcfg.yaml

# Apply network changes
netplan apply

System Resources

# Check CPU count
nproc

# Memory summary
free -h

# Disk space
df -h /
du -sh /home

# CPU temperature (if sensors available)
sensors

# System information
uname -a
lsb_release -a

Next Steps

• Install a control panel (aaPanel, CloudPanel) if managing multiple sites
• Configure SSH key-based authentication and disable password login
• Set up monitoring with Prometheus/Grafana or simpler tools
• Configure automated backups
• Deploy your applications (Node.js, Python, PHP, etc.)

Related: Debian 12 guide | Compare operating systems | VPS setup checklist | Linux security