Log in to your server with SSH on a Mac

What is SSH?

SSH is a safe way to control another computer over the internet. You type commands on your Mac, and they run on the server. The line between them is locked, so no one else can read it. Terminal is the app on your Mac where you type commands.

What you need

• The server IP address.
• The user name, usually root.
• The password.
• The SSH port. It is normally 22. If your welcome email says another number, use that.

Your welcome email has these details. You can also ask Hostvento support.

Steps

1. Press Command + Space to open Spotlight search.
2. Type Terminal and press Enter.
3. Type this command. Put your own user name and IP address.

   ssh root@123.123.123.123

   This asks to connect to the server as the user root.
4. If you use another port, add -p and the number.

   ssh -p 2222 root@123.123.123.123

   This connects using port 2222.
5. The first time, Terminal asks if you trust the server. Type yes and press Enter. This saves the server's fingerprint, like a name tag, so Terminal can spot a fake next time.
6. Type your password and press Enter. Nothing shows on the screen while you type. This is normal.
7. When you see a prompt that ends with # or $, you are in.

Leave the server

exit

This closes the connection.

Common problems

• Connection timed out: the IP or port is wrong, or a firewall blocks you. Check the details.
• Permission denied: the password or user name is wrong. Type it again slowly.
• Host key changed warning: this can happen after a server reinstall. If you did not reinstall, stop and ask support.

If you are still locked out, open a ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Quick recap

• SSH lets you control the server from Terminal.
• Run ssh root@your-server-ip.
• Type yes the first time, then your password.
• Type exit when you are done.