Dedicated SSH Advanced

Getting started with your dedicated server

First steps after your UnderHost dedicated server is provisioned: access credentials, SSH or RDP connection, OS setup, installing a control panel,

UnderHost NOC Network Operations

10 min read Updated June 2026

On this page

Overview
Finding your credentials
Connecting to your server
First steps on a fresh server
Installing a control panel
Server management options

A dedicated server is a physical machine exclusively for your use. After provisioning, the server is yours to configure as needed. This guide covers the essential first steps to get your dedicated server secured and ready for use.

Finding your credentials

Your server credentials are emailed when provisioning is complete. They are also available in CustomerPanel → Services → your dedicated server. Key details:

Server IP address (primary IPv4)
Root username (usually root on Linux, Administrator on Windows)
Root/Administrator password
SSH port (usually 22)
IPMI/KVM access (if included-out-of-band management console)
rDNS/PTR access for eligible assigned IP addresses in CustomerPanel

Connecting to your server

Linux (SSH):

$ ssh root@YOUR.SERVER.IP

Windows Server (RDP): Open Remote Desktop Connection and enter your server IP and Administrator credentials.

First steps on a fresh server

Update all packages
Ubuntu/Debian
```
apt update && apt upgrade -y
```
AlmaLinux/Rocky/CentOS
```
dnf update -y
```
Change the root password

$passwd
Configure the firewall

On Ubuntu/Debian, use UFW. Allow SSH first, then enable the firewall:

$ufw allow 22/tcp && ufw allow 80/tcp && ufw allow 443/tcp && ufw enable
Set up SSH key authentication

Generate a key pair on your local machine and copy the public key to the server:

$ssh-copy-id root@YOUR.SERVER.IP

Installing a control panel

If you want a web interface for managing sites, install a control panel:

Control Panel	Cost	Best for
cPanel/WHM	Paid license (from ~$20/mo)	Web hosting businesses, familiar GUI
aaPanel	Free	Simple sites, cost-effective VPS
DirectAdmin	Paid license	Resellers, web hosting
Webmin	Free	System administration

See How to install aaPanel for a free option.

Server management options

If you don't want to manage the server yourself, UnderHost offers managed server support:

cPanel/DirectAdmin management-$59.95/mo | 24/7 monitoring, security patching, panel administration, incident response
Bare Metal / Windows management-$99.95/mo | Custom stack setup, performance tuning, Windows expertise
Pay-per-incident-$39/incident for one-off support tasks without a monthly contract

Order management via CustomerPanel → Server Management.

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