Logo
Bearhost Logo

Getting Started with VPS Hosting

By Elliot, BearHost·

VPS hosting gives you dedicated resources and full control over your server environment.

What is VPS Hosting?

A Virtual Private Server is a virtualized server with dedicated CPU, RAM, and storage. Unlike shared hosting, your resources aren't affected by other users.

VPS Benefits

  • Dedicated Resources — Guaranteed CPU, RAM, and storage
  • Root Access — Full control over your server
  • Scalability — Upgrade resources as you grow
  • Isolation — Not affected by other users
  • Custom Software — Install any compatible software

Initial Setup

Access Your VPS

After purchase, you'll receive:

  • IP address
  • Root/admin credentials
  • SSH port (usually 22)

Connect via SSH

Mac/Linux:

ssh root@your-server-ip

Windows: Use PuTTY or Windows Terminal:

ssh root@your-server-ip

First Steps After Login

  1. Update your system:
apt update && apt upgrade -y
  1. Create a non-root user:
adduser yourusername
usermod -aG sudo yourusername
  1. Set up SSH keys for secure login

  2. Configure firewall:

ufw allow OpenSSH
ufw enable

Install Control Panel (Optional)

For easier management, install a control panel:

cPanel/WHM

Premium option with extensive features. Contact support for installation.

CloudPanel (Free)

Modern, lightweight panel for PHP applications:

curl -sSL https://installer.cloudpanel.io/ce/v2/install.sh | bash

Common VPS Uses

  • Web Hosting — Host multiple websites
  • Application Server — Run custom applications
  • Development — Testing and staging environments
  • Game Server — Host game servers
  • VPN — Private network access

Resource Management

Monitor your resources:

  • CPU: Use top or htop
  • Memory: Use free -m
  • Disk: Use df -h

Need Help?

Our support team can assist with VPS setup and optimisation. Contact support@bearhost.com.

Tags:#vps#server#setup#ssh