Managing a VPS Linux effectively is a crucial skill for system administrators, developers, and anyone working with Linux-based servers. With VPS becoming an essential part of hosting solutions, mastering fundamental tasks ensures security, stability, and optimal performance. This guide will walk you through 10 basic operations on VPS Linux, including logging in, managing users, monitoring resources, and updating your system. Whether you are a beginner or looking to enhance your server management skills, this article provides clear, step-by-step instructions to help you confidently handle these vital tasks.

Basic Operations on VPS Linux

Why Learn These Operations?

Understanding these 10 basic operations on VPS Linux is essential not only for server security but also for efficient resource management. As businesses and developers increasingly rely on VPS for web hosting, application deployment, and database management, knowing how to perform these tasks saves time and ensures your server runs smoothly. By mastering these fundamentals, you can troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and enhance your Linux administration skills. This knowledge forms the foundation for advanced server management, empowering you to handle more complex configurations and tasks with confidence.

1. Logging into VPS Linux

Before starting, you need to connect to the VPS via SSH. You can use the terminal or tools like PuTTY on Windows.

Steps:

  • Open the terminal (or PuTTY).

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  • Enter the command:
    ssh username@IP_address
    
  • Input the password when prompted.

2. Changing User Password

Reason:

  • Enhance security.
  • Reset the password if compromised.

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • Enter the following command to change the password:
    passwd
    
  • Enter and confirm the new password.

The system will confirm the password change.

3. Renaming a User

Reason:

  • Update the username to suit management needs.

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • Execute the following command as root:
    usermod -l new_username old_username
    
    • new_username: New username.
    • old_username: Current username.
  • Rename the home directory (if applicable):
    mv /home/old_username /home/new_username
    
  • Update information in the passwd file:
    usermod -d /home/new_username -m new_username
    

4. Creating a New User

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.

Execute the following command as root:

adduser new_username

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  • Set a password for the new user:
    passwd new_username
    
  • Add the new user to the sudo group (if needed):
    usermod -aG sudo new_username
    

5. Deleting a User

Reason:

  • Remove unused accounts.

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • Execute the following command as root:
    deluser username
    
  • To also remove the home directory:
    deluser --remove-home username
    

6. Checking System Status

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • Use the following command to view system resources:
    top
    

    or

    htop
    
  • The results will show CPU, RAM usage, and running processes.

7. Updating the System

Reason:

  • Ensure system security and stability.

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • Run the following command as root:
    apt update && apt upgrade -y
    

    (For Debian/Ubuntu)

    yum update -y
    

    (For CentOS/RHEL)

8. File and Directory Management

Basic Commands:

  • View file list:
    ls
    
  • Create a new directory:
    mkdir directory_name
    
  • Delete a file:
    rm file_name
    
  • Delete a directory (including contents):
    rm -r directory_name
    

9. Viewing System Logs

Steps:

  • Log in to the VPS via SSH.
  • View system logs using the following command:
    cat /var/log/syslog
    

    or

    tail -f /var/log/syslog
    

10. Monitoring System Activities

Steps:

  • Install the monitoring tool (if not available):
    sudo apt install htop
    

    (For Debian/Ubuntu)

    sudo yum install htop
    

    (For CentOS/RHEL)

  • Run the command:
    htop
    
  • Monitor system performance in real time.

Conclusion

Mastering 10 basic operations on VPS Linux, such as changing passwords, renaming users, creating or deleting accounts, updating the system, and managing files, will help you efficiently manage your system. Always perform these operations with proper permissions to ensure the security of your VPS. By following these 10 basic operations on VPS Linux, you can maintain and secure your server effectively.

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