> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VPS and Dedicated Server Guides (Linux and Windows)

> VPS and dedicated server guides for Linux and Windows Server: connect, secure, set up websites, databases, Docker and backups, and fix common errors yourself.

These guides help you run an unmanaged VPS or dedicated server yourself, on Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux) or Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025. They cover connecting with SSH or Remote Desktop, securing a new server, installing web servers, databases and Docker, backups and storage, monitoring, and fixes for common errors. For the VPS Control Panel itself, see the [VPS Panel guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/vps-control-panel-dashboard-overview.md).

| Who it's for | Operating systems | Not covered here |
| - | - | - |
| Customers who administer their own VPS or dedicated server | Ubuntu 22.04 / 24.04, Debian 12 / 13, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux 9 / 10, Windows Server 2019 / 2022 / 2025 | VPS Control Panel features ([VPS Panel guides](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/vps-control-panel-dashboard-overview.md)), game panel servers, web hosting accounts |

## Where should I start?

**1. Choose and understand your server**

Read [VPS vs dedicated server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-vs-dedicated-server-differences.md), [what an unmanaged VPS is](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-is-an-unmanaged-vps.md) and [Linux or Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-operating-system-should-i-choose-for-my-vps.md).

**2. Log in**

Linux: [SSH into your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-a-linux-server-with-ssh.md). Windows: [connect with Remote Desktop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md).

**3. Secure it on day one**

Follow [the first 10 things to do on a new Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md) or [first steps on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md).

**4. Build your project**

Pick the group below that matches what you want to run.

> [!WARNING]
>
> Many guides change SSH, firewall or disk settings. On a VPS, know how to open the [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md) and use [rescue mode](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-use-rescue-mode.md) before you start, and take a [backup](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-schedule-and-restore-backups.md) before risky changes.

## Start here

New to running your own server? Read these first.

> [card] [VPS vs dedicated server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/vps-vs-dedicated-server-differences.md)
>
> What you get with each and when to move up.

> [card] [What is an unmanaged VPS?](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-is-an-unmanaged-vps.md)
>
> What the provider runs and what you look after.

> [card] [Linux or Windows Server?](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-operating-system-should-i-choose-for-my-vps.md)
>
> Pick the right OS family for your project.

> [card] [First 10 things on a new Linux VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-10-things-to-do-on-a-new-linux-vps.md)
>
> Update, add a user and keys, firewall, backups.

> [card] [First steps on a Windows Server VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/first-steps-on-a-new-windows-server-vps.md)
>
> Password, updates, Defender, firewall, RDP.

> [card] [What is a dedicated IP?](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-is-a-dedicated-ip.md)
>
> Shared vs dedicated IPs, rDNS and email reputation.

> [card] [Best Linux distro for a server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/which-linux-distribution-is-best-for-a-server.md)
>
> 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.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [SSH into a Linux server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-a-linux-server-with-ssh.md) | Log in from Windows, macOS or Linux. | Linux |
| [Use PuTTY](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-putty-to-connect-to-your-server.md) | Saved sessions and .ppk keys on Windows. | Linux |
| [Create and use SSH keys](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-and-use-ssh-keys.md) | ssh-keygen, ssh-copy-id and authorized\_keys. | Linux |
| [Disable SSH password login](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-disable-password-login-for-ssh.md) | Allow key logins only. | Linux |
| [Change the SSH port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-ssh-port.md) | Move SSH off port 22 without locking yourself out. | Linux |
| [SFTP with WinSCP and FileZilla](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-transfer-files-with-sftp-winscp-and-filezilla.md) | Drag-and-drop file transfers over SSH. | Linux & Windows |
| [Copy files with scp and rsync](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-copy-files-with-scp-and-rsync.md) | Command-line copies and folder sync. | Linux |
| [RDP to Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-windows-server-with-remote-desktop.md) | Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc) from Windows. | Windows |
| [RDP from Mac, Linux and mobile](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-remote-desktop-from-mac-linux-and-mobile.md) | Windows App, Remmina and FreeRDP. | Windows |
| [SSH config file shortcuts](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-ssh-config-file-shortcuts.md) | Type ssh web instead of the full command. | Linux |
| [tmux and screen](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-keep-ssh-sessions-running-with-tmux-and-screen.md) | Keep jobs running after you disconnect. | Linux |
| [Linux desktop with xrdp](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-desktop-and-remote-desktop-on-linux.md) | Xfce and xrdp through an SSH tunnel. | Linux |

## Linux basics

Everyday commands and system administration on Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Essential Linux commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/essential-linux-commands-for-server-beginners.md) | The commands you use every day. | Linux |
| [Update Linux packages](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-update-linux-packages.md) | apt and dnf updates on every distro. | Linux |
| [Create a sudo user](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-a-sudo-user-on-linux.md) | Stop working as root. | Linux |
| [Manage users and groups](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-manage-users-and-groups-on-linux.md) | Add, remove and group users. | Linux |
| [File permissions: chmod and chown](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-file-permissions-explained-chmod-and-chown.md) | What 755 and 644 mean. | Linux |
| [Edit files with nano and vim](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-edit-files-with-nano-and-vim.md) | Open, change and save config files. | Linux |
| [Manage services with systemctl](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-manage-services-with-systemctl.md) | Start, stop, enable and check services. | Linux |
| [Create a systemd service](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-a-systemd-service.md) | Run your app at boot and restart it on failure. | Linux |
| [Schedule tasks with cron](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-schedule-tasks-with-cron.md) | Crontab syntax with examples. | Linux |
| [Read logs with journalctl](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-read-logs-with-journalctl.md) | Find errors in the system journal. | Linux |
| [Check disk space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-disk-space-on-linux.md) | df and du explained. | Linux |
| [Find files and text](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-find-files-and-text-on-linux.md) | find and grep examples. | Linux |
| [Timezone and time sync](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-the-timezone-and-time-sync-on-linux.md) | timedatectl and NTP. | Linux |
| [Change the hostname](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-hostname-on-linux.md) | hostnamectl and /etc/hosts. | Linux |
| [Compress and extract files](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-compress-and-extract-files-tar-zip.md) | tar, gzip and zip. | Linux |
| [Automatic security updates](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-automatic-security-updates.md) | unattended-upgrades and dnf-automatic. | Linux |
| [Upgrade Ubuntu to a new release](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-upgrade-ubuntu-to-a-new-release.md) | Move to the next LTS safely. | Linux |
| [Upgrade Debian 12 to 13](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-upgrade-debian-12-to-debian-13.md) | bookworm to trixie step by step. | Linux |
| [Check your Linux version](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-your-linux-version-and-system-info.md) | OS release, kernel and hardware info. | Linux |
| [Environment variables and .bashrc](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-environment-variables-and-bashrc.md) | Set variables permanently. | Linux |
| [Check open ports](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-open-ports-on-linux.md) | ss and what is listening. | Linux |
| [Kill a process](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-kill-a-process-on-linux.md) | kill, pkill and stuck programs. | Linux |

## Linux security

Harden a Linux server and respond when something goes wrong.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Linux server security checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-server-security-checklist.md) | Every hardening step in one list. | Linux |
| [Set up UFW](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-firewall-with-ufw.md) | Firewall rules on Ubuntu and Debian. | Linux |
| [Set up firewalld](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-firewall-with-firewalld.md) | Open ports on AlmaLinux and Rocky. | Linux |
| [nftables and iptables](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-nftables-and-iptables.md) | Low-level firewall basics. | Linux |
| [Fail2ban for SSH](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-fail2ban-for-ssh-on-ubuntu.md) | Ban IPs after failed logins. | Linux |
| [Two-factor authentication for SSH](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-two-factor-authentication-for-ssh.md) | One-time codes for SSH logins. | Linux |
| [Disable root login over SSH](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-disable-root-login-over-ssh.md) | Log in as a normal user instead. | Linux |
| [Scan for malware](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-scan-a-linux-server-for-malware.md) | ClamAV and rkhunter. | Linux |
| [Who is logged in and login history](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-who-is-logged-in-and-login-history.md) | Check SSH logins and attempts. | Linux |
| [Install CrowdSec](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-crowdsec-on-linux.md) | Community-driven blocking of attackers. | Linux |
| [If your Linux server is hacked](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-to-do-if-your-linux-server-is-hacked.md) | Contain, investigate and rebuild. | Linux |
| [SELinux on AlmaLinux and Rocky](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-selinux-on-almalinux-and-rocky.md) | Fix permission denied without disabling it. | Linux |
| [WireGuard VPN server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-wireguard-vpn-server.md) | Your own private VPN. | Linux |
| [Kernel hardening with sysctl](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-secure-shared-memory-and-kernel-settings-with-sysctl.md) | Safer network and kernel defaults. | Linux |

## Networking

IP addresses, DNS, ports and network diagnostics.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Diagnose network latency](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-diagnose-network-latency-issues.md) | Find where lag comes from. | Linux & Windows |
| [Run MTR and traceroute](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-mtr-and-traceroute.md) | Trace the route to your server. | Linux & Windows |
| [Test speed with iperf3](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-test-network-speed-with-iperf3.md) | Measure bandwidth between two hosts. | Linux & Windows |
| [Find your server IP](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-find-your-server-ip-address.md) | On Linux and Windows. | Linux & Windows |
| [Static IP with Netplan](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-configure-a-static-ip-with-netplan.md) | Network config on Ubuntu. | Linux |
| [Add IP addresses on Linux](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-add-additional-ip-addresses-on-linux.md) | Configure a second IP. | Linux |
| [Configure IPv6 on Linux](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-configure-ipv6-on-linux.md) | Add and test an IPv6 address. | Linux |
| [Change DNS resolvers](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-dns-resolvers-on-linux.md) | resolv.conf and systemd-resolved. | Linux |
| [Point a domain to your server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-point-a-domain-to-your-server.md) | A and AAAA records. | Linux & Windows |
| [Check if a port is open](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-if-a-port-is-open-from-outside.md) | Test from outside with nc and PowerShell. | Linux & Windows |
| [Enable BBR](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-bbr-tcp-congestion-control.md) | TCP congestion control on Linux. | Linux |
| [Port forwarding and NAT](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-port-forwarding-and-nat-with-iptables.md) | Forward ports with iptables. | Linux |
| [Check bandwidth usage](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-bandwidth-usage-on-linux.md) | vnStat and iftop. | Linux |

## Web servers & websites

Host websites and web apps with nginx, Apache, PHP, Node.js and Python.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Install nginx](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-nginx.md) | The web server on Ubuntu, Debian and AlmaLinux. | Linux |
| [Install Apache](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-apache.md) | apache2 and httpd. | Linux |
| [Install a LEMP stack](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-lemp-stack.md) | nginx, MariaDB and PHP. | Linux |
| [Install a LAMP stack](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-lamp-stack.md) | Apache, MariaDB and PHP. | Linux |
| [Free SSL with Certbot](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-get-a-free-ssl-certificate-with-certbot.md) | Let's Encrypt for nginx and Apache. | Linux |
| [nginx server blocks](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-nginx-server-blocks.md) | Host several websites on one server. | Linux |
| [nginx reverse proxy](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-nginx-as-a-reverse-proxy.md) | Put nginx in front of your app. | Linux |
| [Install WordPress on a VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-wordpress-on-a-vps.md) | WordPress on your own stack. | Linux |
| [Multiple PHP versions](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-multiple-php-versions.md) | Run PHP 8.x side by side. | Linux |
| [Node.js with PM2](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-nodejs-and-run-apps-with-pm2.md) | Install Node.js and keep apps running. | Linux |
| [Python apps with Gunicorn](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-deploy-a-python-app-with-gunicorn.md) | Flask or Django behind nginx. | Linux |
| [Install Caddy](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-caddy-web-server.md) | Web server with automatic HTTPS. | Linux |
| [Fix 502 Bad Gateway](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-502-bad-gateway-nginx.md) | When nginx can't reach your app. | Linux |
| [Free control panels](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-a-free-control-panel-on-your-vps.md) | HestiaCP, CloudPanel and Webmin. | Linux |
| [Mail server on a VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-mail-server-on-a-vps.md) | rDNS, SPF, DKIM and DMARC. | Linux |
| [PHP upload size and memory](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-increase-php-upload-size-and-memory-limit.md) | upload\_max\_filesize and friends. | Linux |

## Databases

Install, secure, connect to and back up MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL and Redis.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Install MySQL or MariaDB](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-mysql-or-mariadb.md) | Set up a database server. | Linux |
| [Secure MySQL and MariaDB](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-secure-mysql-and-mariadb.md) | mysql\_secure\_installation and more. | Linux |
| [Create a MySQL database and user](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-create-a-mysql-database-and-user.md) | CREATE USER and GRANT. | Linux |
| [Allow remote MySQL connections](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-allow-remote-mysql-connections.md) | bind-address and firewall rules. | Linux |
| [Back up and restore MySQL](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-and-restore-mysql-databases.md) | mysqldump and restores. | Linux |
| [Install PostgreSQL](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-postgresql.md) | Set up PostgreSQL. | Linux |
| [Install Redis](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-redis.md) | In-memory cache and store. | Linux |
| [Connect with HeidiSQL](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-connect-to-database-using-heidisql.md) | A graphical MySQL client for Windows. | Linux & Windows |
| [Reset the MySQL root password](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-reset-the-mysql-root-password.md) | Get back into your database. | Linux |
| [Install phpMyAdmin](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-phpmyadmin.md) | Web-based database admin. | Linux |

## Docker & self-hosting

Run containers, self-hosted apps, bots and game servers.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Install Docker](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-docker.md) | Docker Engine from the official repository. | Linux |
| [Use Docker Compose](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-docker-compose.md) | Multi-container apps in one file. | Linux |
| [Essential Docker commands](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/essential-docker-commands.md) | A cheat sheet. | Linux |
| [Update Docker containers](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-update-docker-containers.md) | Pull new images and recreate containers safely. | Linux |
| [Back up Docker volumes](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-docker-volumes.md) | Back up and restore named volumes and bind mounts. | Linux |
| [Secure Docker on a VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-secure-docker-on-a-vps.md) | Best practices, and why published ports bypass UFW. | Linux |
| [Fix common Docker errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-common-docker-errors.md) | docker.sock permission denied, port already allocated and more. | Linux |
| [Move Docker data to another disk](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-move-docker-data-to-another-disk.md) | Change the Docker data-root directory. | Linux |
| [Clean up Docker disk space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-clean-up-docker-disk-space.md) | docker system prune safely. | Linux |
| [Install Podman](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-podman.md) | Daemonless containers on AlmaLinux, Rocky and Ubuntu. | Linux |
| [Install Portainer](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-portainer.md) | Manage Docker in a browser. | Linux |
| [Nginx Proxy Manager](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-nginx-proxy-manager.md) | A web UI for reverse proxy hosts and free SSL. | Linux |
| [Traefik with Docker](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-traefik-with-docker.md) | Automatic HTTPS for containers with labels. | Linux |
| [Install Coolify](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-coolify.md) | Self-hosted app deployment platform. | Linux |
| [Install Dokploy](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-dokploy.md) | Another self-hosted deployment platform. | Linux |
| [Set up Uptime Kuma](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-uptime-kuma.md) | Self-hosted uptime monitoring. | Linux |
| [Self-host Nextcloud](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-nextcloud.md) | Your own cloud storage. | Linux |
| [WordPress with Docker Compose](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-wordpress-with-docker-compose.md) | WordPress and MySQL in containers. | Linux |
| [Self-host Vaultwarden](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-vaultwarden.md) | A Bitwarden-compatible password manager server. | Linux |
| [Self-host Forgejo](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-forgejo-git-server.md) | Your own Git server. | Linux |
| [Self-host n8n](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-n8n.md) | Workflow automation. | Linux |
| [Set up wg-easy](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-wg-easy-wireguard-vpn.md) | WireGuard VPN with a web UI. | Linux |
| [Self-host Umami](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-umami-analytics.md) | Privacy-friendly website analytics. | Linux |
| [Self-host Immich](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-immich.md) | Photo and video backup. | Linux |
| [Self-host Jellyfin](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-jellyfin.md) | Your own media server. | Linux |
| [Self-host Ghost](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-self-host-ghost-blog.md) | A Ghost blog or newsletter. | Linux |
| [Minecraft server on a VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-a-minecraft-server-on-a-vps.md) | Java edition on Linux. | Linux |
| [Install Pterodactyl Panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-pterodactyl-panel-on-a-vps.md) | A game server panel on your VPS. | Linux |
| [Game servers with LinuxGSM](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-host-game-servers-with-linuxgsm.md) | Install and manage Linux game servers. | Linux |
| [Host a Discord bot](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-host-a-discord-bot-on-a-vps.md) | Run your bot 24/7. | Linux |
| [Ollama and Open WebUI](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-ollama-and-open-webui-on-a-vps.md) | Run AI models on your server. | Linux |
| [TeamSpeak server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-teamspeak-server.md) | TeamSpeak 3 on Linux. | Linux |

## Backups & storage

Back up your data and manage disks, partitions, swap and RAID.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Back up a Linux server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-a-linux-server.md) | What to back up and how. | Linux |
| [Back up files with rsync](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-files-with-rsync.md) | Scheduled copies to another server. | Linux |
| [Back up with rclone](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-to-cloud-storage-with-rclone.md) | S3, Google Drive and more. | Linux |
| [Encrypted backups with restic](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-make-encrypted-backups-with-restic.md) | Versioned, deduplicated backups. | Linux |
| [Add swap space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-add-swap-space-on-linux.md) | Create a swap file. | Linux |
| [Mount a new disk](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-mount-a-new-disk-on-linux.md) | Partition, format and fstab. | Linux |
| [Resize a partition](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-resize-a-partition-after-a-disk-upgrade.md) | growpart and resize2fs after an upgrade. | Linux |
| [Use LVM](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-lvm-on-linux.md) | Extend logical volumes. | Linux |
| [Software RAID with mdadm](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-and-manage-software-raid-with-mdadm.md) | Check status and replace a disk. | Linux |
| [Disk health with smartctl](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-disk-health-with-smartctl.md) | Read SMART data. | Linux |
| [Back up a Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-back-up-a-windows-server.md) | Windows Server Backup. | Windows |
| [What is using disk space](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-find-what-is-using-disk-space-on-linux.md) | Find big folders with ncdu. | Linux |

## Performance & monitoring

Measure CPU, memory, disk and network, and get alerts.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Monitor resources with htop](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-monitor-server-resources-with-htop.md) | Read CPU, memory and processes. | Linux |
| [What is load average?](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/what-is-load-average-on-linux.md) | What the three numbers mean. | Linux |
| [Check memory usage](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-memory-usage-on-linux.md) | free and what 'available' means. | Linux |
| [Find what is using CPU](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-find-what-is-using-cpu-on-linux.md) | Track down busy processes. | Linux |
| [Check disk I/O](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-disk-io-performance-on-linux.md) | iostat and iotop. | Linux |
| [Benchmark your VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-benchmark-your-vps.md) | YABS, Geekbench and fio. | Linux |
| [Netdata monitoring](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-netdata-monitoring.md) | Real-time dashboards. | Linux |
| [Prometheus and Grafana](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-monitor-a-server-with-prometheus-and-grafana.md) | Metrics with node\_exporter. | Linux |
| [Down alerts by email](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-get-email-alerts-when-your-server-goes-down.md) | Know when your server stops answering. | Linux & Windows |
| [Tune Linux for game servers](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-tune-linux-for-game-servers.md) | Settings that help game performance. | Linux |
| [Limit CPU and memory](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-limit-cpu-and-memory-for-a-process.md) | systemd and cgroups limits. | Linux |
| [Monitor Windows Server performance](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-monitor-windows-server-performance.md) | Task Manager, Resource and Performance Monitor. | Windows |

## Linux troubleshooting

Fixes for the most common Linux and SSH errors.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [SSH connection refused](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-ssh-connection-refused.md) | SSH not running or wrong port. | Linux |
| [Permission denied (publickey)](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-ssh-permission-denied-publickey.md) | Key or permission problems. | Linux |
| [SSH connection timed out](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-ssh-connection-timed-out.md) | Firewall, IP or network issues. | Linux |
| [No space left on device](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-no-space-left-on-device.md) | Free up a full disk. | Linux |
| [OOM killer killed a process](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-out-of-memory-killed-processes.md) | Out-of-memory crashes. | Linux |
| [Could not get lock /var/lib/dpkg/lock](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-could-not-get-lock-var-lib-dpkg-lock.md) | When apt is busy or stuck. | Linux |
| [Temporary failure in name resolution](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-temporary-failure-in-name-resolution.md) | DNS problems on the server. | Linux |
| [Linux server won't boot](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-a-linux-server-that-wont-boot.md) | fsck, emergency mode and rescue. | Linux |
| [Read-only file system](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-read-only-file-system-errors.md) | Why Linux remounts disks read-only. | Linux |
| [High load / slow server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-high-load-on-a-linux-server.md) | Find the bottleneck. | Linux |
| [Website not loading](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-website-not-loading-on-your-vps.md) | DNS, firewall, web server checks. | Linux |
| [Too many open files](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-too-many-open-files.md) | Raise ulimit and service limits. | Linux |
| [Locked out after a firewall change](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-locked-out-after-firewall-change.md) | Get back in with the console. | Linux |
| [apt and dnf repository errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-apt-and-dnf-repository-errors.md) | Release file and metadata errors. | Linux |
| [Host key verification failed](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-host-key-verification-failed.md) | Remote host identification has changed. | Linux |
| [sudo errors](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-sudo-command-not-found-and-permission-errors.md) | Command not found and not in sudoers. | Linux |

## Windows Server basics

Set up and administer Windows Server 2019, 2022 and 2025.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Change the Administrator password](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-administrator-password-on-windows-server.md) | In RDP, PowerShell or the console. | Windows |
| [Install Windows updates](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-windows-updates-on-windows-server.md) | Settings, SConfig and PowerShell. | Windows |
| [Add a Remote Desktop user](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-add-a-user-to-remote-desktop-on-windows-server.md) | Let another account sign in. | Windows |
| [Change the RDP port](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-rdp-port-on-windows-server.md) | Move Remote Desktop off 3389. | Windows |
| [Install software with winget](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-software-with-winget-on-windows-server.md) | Windows package manager. | Windows |
| [PowerShell basics](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-powershell-on-windows-server.md) | Everyday server commands. | Windows |
| [Install roles and features](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-roles-and-features-on-windows-server.md) | Server Manager and PowerShell. | Windows |
| [Time zone and language](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-change-the-time-zone-and-language-on-windows-server.md) | Region settings on Windows Server. | Windows |
| [Rename a Windows server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-rename-a-windows-server.md) | Change the computer name. | Windows |
| [Install IIS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-iis-on-windows-server.md) | Microsoft's web server. | Windows |
| [Free SSL on IIS with win-acme](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-get-a-free-ssl-certificate-on-iis-with-win-acme.md) | Let's Encrypt for IIS. | Windows |
| [Game server on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-run-a-game-server-on-windows-server.md) | SteamCMD and firewall rules. | Windows |
| [Install SQL Server Express](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-install-sql-server-express-on-windows-server.md) | Microsoft's free database edition. | Windows |
| [OpenSSH Server on Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-openssh-server-on-windows.md) | SSH into Windows Server. | Windows |
| [Check activation](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-check-windows-server-activation-and-licensing.md) | slmgr and activation status. | Windows |

## Windows Server security & networking

Firewall, Defender, RDP protection and network settings on Windows Server.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Windows Server security checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/windows-server-security-checklist.md) | Every hardening step in one list. | Windows |
| [Allow ping on Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-icmp-on-windows.md) | ICMP rules in Windows Firewall. | Windows |
| [Open a port in Windows Firewall](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-open-a-port-in-windows-firewall.md) | Inbound rules in GUI and PowerShell. | Windows |
| [Protect RDP from brute force](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-protect-rdp-from-brute-force-attacks.md) | Lockout policy, NLA and IP limits. | Windows |
| [Microsoft Defender on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-microsoft-defender-on-windows-server.md) | Scans, updates and exclusions. | Windows |
| [Failed login attempts](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-see-failed-login-attempts-on-windows-server.md) | Event ID 4625 in Event Viewer. | Windows |
| [Static IP and DNS on Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-a-static-ip-and-dns-on-windows-server.md) | Network settings and PowerShell. | Windows |
| [Add IP addresses on Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-add-additional-ip-addresses-on-windows-server.md) | Configure a second IP. | Windows |
| [IPv6 on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-ipv6-on-windows-server.md) | Add and test IPv6. | Windows |
| [VPN on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-set-up-a-vpn-on-windows-server.md) | WireGuard and alternatives. | Windows |
| [Flush DNS and reset networking](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-flush-dns-and-reset-the-network-stack-on-windows.md) | ipconfig and netsh. | Windows |

## Windows Server troubleshooting

Fixes for Remote Desktop, update, performance and boot problems.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Remote Desktop can't connect](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-remote-desktop-cant-connect.md) | Step-by-step RDP checks. | Windows |
| [CredSSP encryption oracle error](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-credssp-encryption-oracle-remediation-error.md) | Fix the RDP authentication error. | Windows |
| [RDP licensing grace period error](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-the-rdp-licensing-grace-period-error.md) | No Remote Desktop license servers available. | Windows |
| [High CPU on Windows Server](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-high-cpu-usage-on-windows-server.md) | Find the busy process. | Windows |
| [Free up disk space on Windows](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-free-up-disk-space-on-windows-server.md) | When C: is full. | Windows |
| [Repair Windows with SFC and DISM](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-repair-windows-with-sfc-and-dism.md) | Fix corrupted system files. | Windows |
| [Windows Update stuck or failing](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-windows-update-stuck-or-failing.md) | Reset and retry updates. | Windows |
| [Find errors in Event Viewer](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-use-event-viewer-to-find-errors.md) | Read the logs that matter. | Windows |
| [Windows Server running slow](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-windows-server-running-slow.md) | Common causes and fixes. | Windows |
| [Windows Server won't boot](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-windows-server-not-booting.md) | Automatic Repair and recovery. | Windows |
| [Account locked out](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-fix-the-user-account-has-been-locked-out.md) | Unlock an account after failed logins. | Windows |

## Account & notifications

Your FREAKHOSTING account and service notifications.

| Guide | What it covers | OS |
| - | - | - |
| [Service update notifications](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-enable-notifications-for-service-updates.md) | Get notified about status and maintenance. | Linux & Windows |
| [Link your Discord account](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/how-to-link-your-discord-account-to-your-freakhosting-account.md) | Connect Discord to your FREAKHOSTING account. | Linux & Windows |

## 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php) and tell us what you were looking for so we can add it.

## Related guides

> [card] [VPS Control Panel overview](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/vps-control-panel-dashboard-overview.md)
>
> Power, console, backups and network for your VPS.

> [card] [Set up your new VPS](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-set-up-your-new-vps.md)
>
> Choose an OS and get your login details.

> [card] [VNC console](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/vps-panel/how-to-enable-and-use-vnc-console-access.md)
>
> Log in when SSH or RDP doesn't work.

> [card] [Linux security checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/linux-server-security-checklist.md)
>
> Harden a Linux server.

> [card] [Windows Server security checklist](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/other/windows-server-security-checklist.md)
>
> Harden a Windows server.

> [card] [Firewall panel](https://help.freakhosting.com/portals/firewall/firewall-panel-overview.md)
>
> Network filtering options.

***

> [!NOTE]
>
> **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.

> [!NOTE]
>
> ### 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
> * **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
> * **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)

> [!TIP]
>
> ### Save on Your Hosting
>
> Ready to upgrade your hosting? Use code **KB20** at checkout for **20% off** your first order!

***

**Last Updated:** November 2026


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