# First Steps VPS – SSH Connection Failing?

First Steps with Your Server – Root and VPS server knowledge from NexoraHost for gamers and admins.

You just ordered your VPS or root server at NexoraHost? This guide walks you through the first important steps – from the first SSH connection to basic security settings.

**Note:** Detailed guides on individual topics can be found in the left navigation.

## Step 1: Find Your Access Credentials

After your order, you'll find all important data directly in the customer panel under your products:

    - **IP address:** The public IPv4 address of your root or VPS server
- **Username:** Default is `root`
- **Password:** Your initial root password – visible directly in the customer panel

Simply log in at [nexorahost.com/account](https://nexorahost.com/account), select your product and you'll immediately see all access credentials at a glance.

## Step 2: First SSH Connection

`ssh root@your-server-ip`
On first connection, you'll be asked if you trust the fingerprint. Type `yes` and enter your password.

## Step 3: Update System

`apt update && apt upgrade -y`
This brings all installed packages to the latest version and closes security gaps.

## Step 4: Change Root Password

`passwd`
Set a new, secure password. Remember it well – without the password and SSH key, you won't be able to access the server.

## Step 5: Set Up SSH Key

More secure than passwords – see our article on SSH key authentication.

## Step 6: Activate Firewall

`# Install UFW and allow SSH
apt install ufw -y
ufw allow 22/tcp
ufw enable`

## Step 7: Set Timezone

`timedatectl set-timezone Europe/Berlin`

## Step 8: Snapshots and Backups (Root Servers Only)

With root servers, you can create complete snapshots in the customer panel – ideal before major changes. For VPS, we recommend manual backups via cronjob.

**Next:** [Full VPS setup](/en/root-v-server/vps-einrichten) · [SSH keys](/en/server-administration/using-ssh-keys-instead-of-passwords) · [Firewall](/en/root-v-server/firewall-ports) · [Install Pterodactyl](/en/server-panels/pterodactyl/install)

## Next Steps

    - Set up SSH key authentication for more security
- Configure backups
- Set up monitoring to detect problems early

*Detailed guides on each step can be found in the articles in the left navigation.*