Knowledgebase

Accessing Your Server via SSH (Firstserv Guide)

All Firstserv hosting plans include SSH access, allowing you to manage your account securely using command-line tools.

What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure method of connecting to your hosting account. It’s commonly used for:

• ✅ Managing files
• ✅ Running scripts or commands
• ✅ Working with databases
• ✅ Advanced troubleshooting

Recommended SSH Client (Windows)

For Windows users, PuTTY is the most popular and reliable SSH client.

Download & Install PuTTY

1. Download the latest version of PuTTY
2. Choose the Windows installer (32-bit or 64-bit)
3. Install using default settings

Tools Included with PuTTY

• PuTTY → Main SSH terminal
• PuTTYgen → Create/manage SSH keys
• PSFTP → Command-line file transfer
• Pageant → SSH key manager

Before You Connect

• ✅ Ensure SSH is enabled on your account
• ✅ Have your cPanel username and password ready

Connecting to Your Server

Step 1: Open PuTTY

Launch PuTTY from your Start menu.

Step 2: Set Your Username

1. Go to:

   Connection → Data
   

2. Enter your cPanel username in:

   Auto-login username
   

Step 3: Configure Connection Settings

Go to:

Session

Enter:

• Host Name:

  • Your domain (e.g. yourdomain.com)
  • Or your server hostname

• Port:

  722
  

👉 Port 722 is used for secure SSH connections on Firstserv hosting

Step 4: Save Your Settings (Optional)

• Enter a name under Saved Sessions
• Click Save

✅ This allows you to reconnect quickly in the future

Step 5: Connect

• Click Open

First-Time Connection

You may see a security fingerprint warning.

• ✅ Click Yes to trust and continue

👉 This fingerprint will be saved for future connections

Logging In

• Enter your cPanel password when prompted

⚠️ Note:

• Nothing appears on screen as you type your password—this is normal

✅ Press Enter once complete

Reconnecting Later

• Open PuTTY
• Select your Saved Session
• Click Load → Open

Advanced: SSH Keys

If you manage multiple sites or want password-free login:

• ✅ Use SSH keys (public/private key authentication)

👉 This improves both convenience and security

Summary

• SSH provides secure command-line access to your hosting
• Use PuTTY on Windows to connect
• Connect using:

  yourdomain.com (or server host)
  Port: 722
  

• Save your session to make future connections easier

Need Help?

If you need help enabling SSH, connecting, or setting up SSH keys, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.