Linux
Connect to your VPS from Linux with password or SSH key.
Connect from Linux
SSH is available on every Linux distro out of the box.
Open a Terminal
Common shortcuts:
- Ubuntu/GNOME:
Ctrl + Alt + T - KDE: Search for "Konsole"
- Other: Look for "Terminal" in your app menu
Password Login
ssh root@192.0.2.1Replace 192.0.2.1 with your actual IP. Custom port:
ssh -p 2222 root@192.0.2.1First time? Type yes when asked about the host fingerprint. Then type your password. Nothing shows on screen while you type.
SSH Key Login
If you selected an SSH key when installing the OS, password login is disabled. Connect with your key instead.
Generate a Key
ssh-keygen -t ed25519Press Enter to accept the default path (~/.ssh/id_ed25519). Set a passphrase or press Enter to skip.
This creates:
~/.ssh/id_ed25519: private key (never share)~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub: public key (goes on the server)
Add the Key to QDE
- Copy your public key:
cat ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub- Copy the output
- Go to cloud.qde.com/sshkeys
- Click Add Key, paste, give it a name
- Select this key when you install or reinstall an OS
Connect with Your Key
Default key path: SSH finds it automatically:
ssh root@192.0.2.1Specific key file:
ssh -i ~/.ssh/my_key root@192.0.2.1Using a Key Generated in the Control Panel
If you generated a key pair at cloud.qde.com/sshkeys and downloaded the OpenSSH format:
- Move the key file and set permissions:
mv ~/Downloads/downloaded_key.key ~/.ssh/
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/downloaded_key.key- Connect:
ssh -i ~/.ssh/downloaded_key.key root@192.0.2.1Private key files must have strict permissions. If you get a "UNPROTECTED PRIVATE KEY FILE" warning, run chmod 600 on the file.
Common Mistakes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
Connection refused | Check IP and port. Is the server running? |
Permission denied (publickey) | Key not on server, or wrong file path. Try -o PasswordAuthentication=yes if password login is enabled |
| Password not accepted | Case-sensitive. Copy from provisioning email |
UNPROTECTED PRIVATE KEY FILE | chmod 600 ~/.ssh/your_key |