A Linux VPS gives you total control - which means you are in the driver's seat. If you are new to servers, these essential commands cover the vast majority of day-to-day tasks: finding your way around, managing files, fixing permissions and checking the system. Learn these and you can manage a VPS with confidence.

Table of Contents

  • pwd - where am I?
  • ls / ls -la - list files (with details and hidden files).
  • cd /path - change directory.
  • cd ~ - go home; cd .. - go up.
  • whoami - which user am I?

Working With Files

  • cp source dest - copy.
  • mv source dest - move or rename.
  • rm file - delete (use carefully - no recycle bin).
  • mkdir name - create directory.
  • nano file or vim file - edit files.
  • cat file - view a file's contents.

Permissions and Users

  • chmod 755 file - change permissions.
  • chown user:group file - change ownership.
  • sudo command - run as administrator.
  • adduser name - create a user.

Processes and System

  • ps aux - list running processes.
  • top or htop - live system monitor.
  • free -h - check memory.
  • df -h - check disk space.
  • uptime - how long has the server been up?
  • service name restart - restart a service.

Packages and Updates

  • sudo apt update - refresh package lists.
  • sudo apt upgrade - install updates (do this often - security).
  • sudo apt install package - install software.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I connect to my Linux VPS?

Use SSH. On Windows, open PowerShell and type ssh user@your-server-ip, then enter your password. Key-based login is more secure.

What if I break something on my VPS?

Most providers offer snapshots - take one before major changes. With a snapshot, you can roll back in minutes. Filofa VPS supports this.

Every sysadmin started with these same commands. Practice on a test VPS, keep updates current, and take snapshots before you experiment.