Getting started with Debian on your VPS

Debian is a stable, reliable Linux distribution perfect for VPS hosting. This guide covers essential first steps after provisioning a Debian VPS at UnderHost. ## 1. Connect via SSH {#connect-ssh} Find your VPS credentials in CustomerPanel under **My Services**. Connect using SSH: ```bash ssh root@your.server.ip ``` Replace `your.server.ip` with your VPS IP address. If prompted, accept the key fingerprint. ## 2. Update the System {#update-system} Keep your system secure by updating the package lists and installed packages: ```bash apt update apt upgrade -y ``` For a full upgrade (including major version changes): ```bash apt full-upgrade -y ``` ## 3. Configure UFW Firewall {#firewall-basics} Debian includes **UFW** (Uncomplicated Firewall) for simple firewall management. Check if it's installed: ```bash apt install ufw -y ``` Enable UFW: ```bash ufw enable ``` Allow SSH (essential to keep access): ```bash ufw allow ssh ``` Allow HTTP and HTTPS for web servers: ```bash ufw allow http ufw allow https ``` Check the firewall status: ```bash ufw status ``` ## 4. Create a Non-Root User {#create-user} Running everything as root is unsafe. Create a non-root user: ```bash adduser myuser ``` Follow the prompts to set a password and user details. Add sudo privileges: ```bash usermod -aG sudo myuser ``` Test the new user: ```bash su - myuser sudo whoami ``` Exit and log in as the new user for day-to-day tasks. ## 5. Install Common Software {#install-software} **Web Server (Nginx):** ```bash apt install nginx -y systemctl enable nginx systemctl start nginx ``` **PHP and Extensions:** ```bash apt install php php-cli php-fpm php-mysql -y systemctl enable php-fpm systemctl start php-fpm ``` **MySQL/MariaDB:** ```bash apt install mariadb-server -y mysql_secure_installation ``` **Git:** ```bash apt install git -y ``` ## Next Steps {#next-steps} - Install a control panel (aaPanel, CloudPanel, or HestiaCP) - Configure SSL certificates with Let's Encrypt - Set up regular backups - Monitor system resources with htop (`apt install htop`) - Read the [OS Comparison guide](/article/os-comparison/) for other options For more help, see our [VPS management guide](/article/manage-vps/) or [contact support](/article/contact-support/). **Related:** [Getting started with Ubuntu Server on your VPS](/article/ubuntu-server-guide/) | [Getting started with AlmaLinux on your VPS](/article/almalinux-guide/) | [Linux and Windows operating systems for VPS-which to choose](/article/os-comparison/) | [How to choose the right operating system for your VPS](/article/choose-os/)

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