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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11To SSH into a new Linux server you need four things: a reachable address, the correct login name for that server’s image, the private key that matches the public key installed on it, and a network path that allows inbound SSH from your computer. With those, the command is ssh -i /path/to/private-key.pem username@public-dns-or-ip. This guide covers each piece, the first-connection fingerprint prompt, and what to do when the login fails.
What you need before you connect
- A ready server. On EC2, AWS says to check that the instance’s status checks have passed before you try to connect.
- An address. For a direct internet connection, use the instance’s public DNS name or a public IP address. AWS’s guide also documents connecting over IPv6. A private-only instance needs a suitable network path, such as a VPN, a bastion host or a provider connection feature. That setup depends on your environment and is not covered by the basic command here.
- The private key. It must match the public key installed on the server. AWS does not keep a copy of EC2 private keys.
- The right username. This depends on the operating system image or the provider.
- Inbound SSH permitted from your IP. On EC2 this is a security group rule. On other providers it may be a cloud firewall or the server’s own firewall.
- An SSH client. macOS and Linux usually include
ssh. AWS suggests typingsshin a terminal to check, and installing a client if the command isn’t found. OpenSSH is also documented for Windows. AWS notes a Windows-specific key path caveat if you use WSL.
Connect step by step
- Collect the details. Copy the public DNS name or IP address from your provider’s console. Locate the key file you downloaded or registered when you created the server.
- Restrict the key’s permissions (Linux/macOS). SSH refuses private keys that other users can read. AWS’s example is:
chmod 400 /path/to/key.pem - Pick the username. AWS’s troubleshooting examples use
ec2-userfor Amazon Linux 2 andubuntufor Ubuntu. Other images and VPS providers differ, so check the documentation for your image or provider rather than assuming. - Run the command. AWS’s documented form is:
ssh -i /path/key-pair-name.pem instance-user-name@instance-public-dns-nameDigitalOcean shows the same
-i /path/to/private/keyoption for choosing a specific key. - Answer the host-key prompt (explained below).
- Check the prompt. A successful login drops you into a remote shell, and the prompt usually shows the remote username and host. Being logged in says nothing about whether the server is configured securely.
The first host-key prompt
On your first connection SSH prints a message like “The authenticity of host … can’t be established”, shows a fingerprint and asks whether to continue. The fingerprint identifies the server, not you. It protects you from connecting to something that is impersonating your server.
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AWS describes an optional check: compare the fingerprint SSH shows with one retrieved from the instance through a trusted route. AWS’s wording is: “If these fingerprints don’t match, someone might be attempting a man-in-the-middle attack.” If you can verify the fingerprint, do so before accepting. If you accept, SSH stores the key in your known_hosts file and will warn you if it later changes.
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A changed-key warning deserves attention. If you deliberately rebuilt or replaced the server at the same address, first confirm the address belongs to the replacement. Then remove the stale entry as DigitalOcean documents:
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ssh-keygen -R ADDRESSDo not turn off host-key checking to make the warning go away.
Provider examples
Amazon EC2 (Linux)
chmod 400 /path/to/key.pem
ssh -i /path/to/key.pem ec2-user@PUBLIC_DNS_OR_IPSwap ec2-user for your image’s username, for example ubuntu on Ubuntu. Make sure the security group allows inbound SSH from your client address and that the instance is ready.
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- Connects a USB 3.0 device (computer/laptop) to a router, modem, or network switch to deliver Gigabit Ethernet to your network connection. Does not support Smart TV or gaming consoles (e.g.Nintendo Switch).
- Supported features include Wake-on-LAN function, Green Ethernet & IEEE 802.3az-2010 (Energy Efficient Ethernet)
- Supports IPv4/IPv6 pack Checksum Offload Engine (COE) to reduce Cental Processing Unit (CPU) loading
- Compatible with Windows 8.1 or higher, Mac OS
DigitalOcean Droplet
ssh -i /path/to/private/key USERNAME@DROPLET_ADDRESSThe right username and authentication method depend on how the Droplet was created. DigitalOcean says a Droplet with an SSH key added can be accessed immediately, or after you enter the key’s passphrase. Its documentation also covers password login in some cases, and notes that a first login with a default password prompts you to change it. Other VPS providers may behave differently, so follow your provider’s own instructions for the initial user.
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Troubleshooting
Permission denied (publickey)
The server was reached but rejected your credentials. AWS’s troubleshooting directs you to check two things: that the username matches the image, and that the private key matches the public key on the instance. Also confirm SSH is actually offering the key you intend, by passing it with -i. Running ssh -v prints verbose output showing which keys and authentication methods are tried, which DigitalOcean recommends for diagnosis.
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Key file permissions rejected
On Linux or macOS, run chmod 400 /path/to/key.pem.
Timeout or connection refused
These point to the network path rather than the key. Check that the server is running and ready, that the address is correct, and that inbound SSH is allowed from your IP in the security group or firewall. A timeout can also mean the instance is private-only or that your own network blocks outbound SSH. “Connection refused” can mean nothing is listening on the SSH port.
Lost private key
AWS states: “Because Amazon EC2 doesn’t keep a copy of your private key, there is no way to recover a private key if you lose it.” AWS notes that other recovery routes for the instance may exist, but they depend on your access and configuration.
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- Dual USB-A/C Port Design: This USB hub with ethernet adapter features dual connectors for both USB C and USB A devices, ensuring wide compatibility across laptops, tablets, and smartphones. It includes 1x Gigabit Ethernet port and 3x USB A 3.0 ports, all usable at the same time for smooth and efficient connectivity. 📌Note: When using USB-A to connect devices, please ensure the USB-C is securely attached to the USB-A connector.
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Alternatives to a local SSH command
SSH from your own terminal is not the only way in. Some providers offer a browser-based or managed console connection. AWS documents Session Manager as an alternative to SSH key-pair access, and some services let you log in with a password instead of a key. Availability and setup depend on the provider and on how the instance is configured, so confirm it for your own server before relying on one.
Quick Recap
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