Getting started with Rocky Linux on your VPS

Rocky Linux is a free, community-driven RHEL-compatible Linux distribution. This guide covers essential first steps after provisioning a Rocky Linux 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 packages: ```bash dnf update -y ``` For a major upgrade: ```bash dnf upgrade -y ``` ## 3. Configure Firewalld {#firewall-basics} Rocky Linux includes **firewalld** for firewall management. Check its status: ```bash systemctl status firewalld ``` Enable it at boot: ```bash systemctl enable firewalld systemctl start firewalld ``` Allow SSH (required to keep access): ```bash firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=ssh firewall-cmd --reload ``` Allow HTTP and HTTPS for web servers: ```bash firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=http firewall-cmd --permanent --add-service=https firewall-cmd --reload ``` ## 4. Create a Non-Root User {#create-user} Running everything as root is unsafe. Create a non-root user: ```bash useradd -m -s /bin/bash adminuser passwd adminuser ``` Add sudo privileges: ```bash usermod -aG wheel adminuser ``` Test the new user: ```bash su - adminuser 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 dnf install nginx -y systemctl enable nginx systemctl start nginx ``` **PHP and Extensions:** ```bash dnf install php php-cli php-fpm php-mysqlnd -y systemctl enable php-fpm systemctl start php-fpm ``` **MySQL/MariaDB:** ```bash dnf install mariadb-server -y systemctl enable mariadb systemctl start mariadb mysql_secure_installation ``` **Git:** ```bash dnf 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 tools like 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 AlmaLinux on your VPS](/article/almalinux-guide/) | [Getting started with Ubuntu Server on your VPS](/article/ubuntu-server-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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