How to Log In to a Linux Server Using a Username and Password

Objective

Log in to your server via SSH with root privileges in order to gain full control over server configuration, management, and software installation.

Environment

To connect to a server via SSH, you will need:

• A computer running Windows, macOS, or Linux.
• An SSH client:
  • Windows: built-in SSH support in PowerShell or
  • Windows Terminal (available in Windows 10 and later), or PuTTY (can be downloaded for free from the developer’s website: putty.org).
  • macOS and Linux: a terminal with support for the ssh command (included by default).

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure that:

• Your computer has an active internet connection.

• You know the IP address of your server (provided by your hosting provider).

• You know the username (usually root) and password for your server (provided by your hosting provider).

Procedure

Method 1. Using Terminal or PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell (Windows) or Terminal (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
2. Enter the following command:
   ssh root@ХХХ.ХХХ.XXX.XXX
   Replace XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX with your server’s IP address, then press Enter.
3. If you see a security prompt asking whether you want to continue connecting, type:
   yes
   and press Enter.
4. When prompted, enter your server password and press Enter:
   
   
   

Note: While typing the password, no characters (such as asterisks) will be displayed. This is normal behavior.

Method 2. Using PuTTY

1. Launch PuTTY.
2. In the Host Name (or IP address) field, enter your server’s IP address.
3. Make sure the Port field is set to 22, then click Open:
   
   
   
4. When the terminal window appears, enter the username:
   root
   and press Enter.
5. Enter your server password and press Enter.

Note: While typing the password, no characters will be shown.

Done!

If the credentials are correct, you will be successfully logged in to the server:

You now have full access to manage the server, install software, and perform administrative tasks.