Where should I start?
1
Choose and understand your server
2
Log in
Linux: SSH into your server. Windows: connect with Remote Desktop.
3
Secure it on day one
4
Build your project
Pick the group below that matches what you want to run.
Start here
New to running your own server? Read these first.VPS vs dedicated server
What you get with each and when to move up.
What is an unmanaged VPS?
What the provider runs and what you look after.
Linux or Windows Server?
Pick the right OS family for your project.
First 10 things on a new Linux VPS
Update, add a user and keys, firewall, backups.
First steps on a Windows Server VPS
Password, updates, Defender, firewall, RDP.
What is a dedicated IP?
Shared vs dedicated IPs, rDNS and email reputation.
Best Linux distro for a server
Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux or Rocky, with support dates.
Connect to your server
Log in over SSH or Remote Desktop and move files to and from your server.Linux basics
Everyday commands and system administration on Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.Linux security
Harden a Linux server and respond when something goes wrong.Networking
IP addresses, DNS, ports and network diagnostics.Web servers & websites
Host websites and web apps with nginx, Apache, PHP, Node.js and Python.Databases
Install, secure, connect to and back up MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL and Redis.Docker & self-hosting
Run containers, self-hosted apps, bots and game servers.Backups & storage
Back up your data and manage disks, partitions, swap and RAID.Performance & monitoring
Measure CPU, memory, disk and network, and get alerts.Linux troubleshooting
Fixes for the most common Linux and SSH errors.Windows Server basics
Set up and administer Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.Windows Server security & networking
Firewall, Defender, RDP protection and network settings on Windows Server.Windows Server troubleshooting
Fixes for Remote Desktop, update, performance and boot problems.Account & notifications
Your FREAKHOSTING account and service notifications.Frequently asked questions
Do these guides apply to both VPS and dedicated servers?
Yes. The operating system works the same way on both. Where a step needs the VPS Control Panel (console, rescue mode, backups), the guide links to it; on a dedicated server, open a ticket for those steps.Which Linux distribution do the commands use?
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and Debian 13 first, with AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux 9 / 10 in separate tabs where commands differ. Each guide lists the releases it works on.How are the guides checked?
Each guide links the official documentation it was checked against and says which commands we tested, and on which release, in the note at the bottom.I can’t find what I need. What should I do?
Use the search at the top of the page, or open a ticket and tell us what you were looking for so we can add it.Related guides
VPS Control Panel overview
Power, console, backups and network for your VPS.
Set up your new VPS
Choose an OS and get your login details.
VNC console
Log in when SSH or RDP doesn’t work.
Linux security checklist
Harden a Linux server.
Windows Server security checklist
Harden a Windows server.
Firewall panel
Network filtering options.
Maintained by the FREAKHOSTING team and reviewed on 4 November 2026. Each guide names the official documentation it was checked against and the releases its commands were tested on.
Need Extra Help?
If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:- Live Chat: Quick assistance via our website.
- Support Ticket: Open a Ticket
- Discord: Join our Community
- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: November 2026