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Getting started on a Linux Ubuntu VPS

Have you just hired a Linux VPS and don't know where to start? This guide brings together the most important initial configurations to make an Ubuntu server up to date, organized and more secure.

The commands are recommended for Ubuntu Server 22.04 or 24.04. Run them as root or add sudo when necessary.

1. Access the VPS via SSH​

ssh root@IP_DA_VPS

Replace IP_DA_VPS with the address you received. On the first connection, confirm the key by typing yes.

See also how to connect to a Linux VPS via SSH on Windows.

2. Update Ubuntu​

apt update
apt upgrade -y
apt autoremove -y

Updates fix security holes and install recent versions of available packages.

3. Configure the time zone​

Check the time:

timedatectl

To use Brasilia time:

timedatectl set-timezone America/Sao_Paulo

A correct time makes it easier to analyze logs and scheduled tasks.

4. Set the hostname​

Choose a short name without spaces:

hostnamectl set-hostname minha-vps
hostnamectl

The hostname helps identify the server in the terminal and in monitoring tools.

5. Create an administrative user​

adduser administrador
usermod -aG sudo administrador

Test before ending the current session:

su - administrador
sudo whoami

The expected result is root. See the complete tutorial on how to create a sudo user on Ubuntu VPS.

6. Enable firewall without blocking SSH​

First, enable SSH:

ufw allow OpenSSH

Then, activate and check the firewall:

ufw enable
ufw status verbose

Only open ports used by applications. Learn more at how to use UFW on Linux VPS.

7. Check features​

free -h
df -h
uptime

If your VPS is slow, see what to check on a slow Linux VPS.

8. Restart the VPS​

reboot

The SSH connection will be closed. Wait a few seconds and connect again.

Frequently asked questions​

Do I need to update a new VPS?​

Yes. The system image may have been created before the most recent updates.

Can I host websites and games on the same VPS?​

It's possible, but all services share CPU, memory, disk and network. Monitor consumption.

Can the UFW block my access?​

Yes. Always allow OpenSSH before enabling the firewall and test a second connection before closing the current session.

If you need help, open a ticket with Nice Hosting support.