Knowledge base
Guides for your dedicated server
Clear, tested instructions from our engineers: first login, networking, storage, security and operating systems.
18 guides · updated October 14, 2026
Start here
Getting started
Log in, secure access and use the console, reinstalls and rescue mode.
- First steps on your new dedicated server Your server is online and the credentials are in your inbox. Log in, install updates, create a sudo user with your SSH key, turn on a firewall and check that the hardware matches your order. 6 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Use the IPMI/KVM console and virtual media The IPMI/KVM console puts the server’s screen, keyboard and power button in your browser, even when the network or the OS is down. When to use it, and how. 6 min readAll servers
- Reinstall the operating system from your dashboard A reinstall writes a fresh operating system to your server and erases all of its disks. Back up, choose the OS and RAID layout, add your SSH key, and the server is back online in minutes. 5 min readAll servers
- Boot into rescue mode and repair your server Rescue mode boots a temporary Linux system over the network without touching your disks. Mount your installation, chroot into it and fix what keeps it from booting or letting you in. 5 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Log in with SSH keys and disable password authentication Generate an Ed25519 key, copy it to the server, switch sshd to key-only logins with a drop-in file, and test in a second session so that a mistake never locks you out. 5 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
Networking
IPv6, additional IPv4, reverse DNS and network testing.
- Add additional IPv4 addresses Order additional IPv4 addresses for your server, configure them so they survive a reboot on Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, test them and hand them to virtual machines. 5 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Configure your /64 IPv6 subnet Every server includes a routed /64 IPv6 subnet. Check or rebuild the configuration on Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux, add more addresses and keep your firewall in step. 5 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Test network speed and routes: iperf3, mtr and curl Measure throughput, latency and packet loss with standard tools, know which numbers to expect on 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps ports, and collect the right data before you open a network ticket. 6 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Set reverse DNS (PTR records) A PTR record maps an IP address back to a hostname, and mail servers check it on every connection. Set it from your dashboard or the API, verify it and avoid the usual mistakes. 5 min readAll servers
Storage & RAID
Software RAID, disk health and replacing a failed drive.
- Check disk health with smartctl and nvme-cli Install smartmontools and nvme-cli, read the values that predict failure on HDDs and NVMe SSDs, schedule tests and alerts, and send the right data when a disk needs replacing. 6 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
- Manage software RAID 1 with mdadm Read your RAID 1 status, set up failure alerts, replace a failed disk step by step and make sure the server can boot from either disk. 7 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
Security
Hardening, firewalls and how DDoS protection works.
- How DDoS protection works on your server Every server includes always-on network-level DDoS mitigation. Learn which attacks it filters, why HTTP floods need your own defenses, and what to do and send us if you suspect an attack. 5 min readLinuxWindows ServerGame servers
- Harden a new server: firewall, fail2ban and automatic updates Close every port you do not serve, lock down SSH, ban brute-force attempts, patch automatically and avoid the firewall gaps Docker creates. Commands for Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux. 6 min readUbuntuDebianAlmaLinux
Operating systems
Proxmox VE, Windows Server and OS-specific setup.
- Install Proxmox VE 9 with bridged networking From one-click install to a working virtualization host: repositories, storage choices, routed IPv4 and IPv6 for VMs, NAT for private VMs, web interface security and backups. 7 min readProxmox VE 9Debian 13
- Windows Server: first login, RDP and updates License and billing, first RDP login, Windows Update, locking down Remote Desktop, IPv6 and extra IPv4 configuration, and what to do when RDP does not answer. 5 min readWindows Server 2025Windows Server 2022
Performance
Benchmark CPU, memory, disks and network the right way.
Billing & account
Invoices, renewals, crypto payments and cancellation.
Reference
Definitions of the terms you meet on a dedicated server.
No guide matches your search.
Try another word, or ask us: engineers answer 24/7.
Talk to an engineer
Still stuck?
Real engineers answer 24/7, with a 30-minute first-response target for critical issues.