Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that can be used to log into a remote machine (your Virtual Dedicated Server) and provide secure encrypted communications between your server and your local computer. All of the commands you would use in a Telnet client, you can use in an SSH client. The only difference is that the communication is made via encrypted channels to and from your server. Due to the increased capabilities you have as a VDS 'root' user, it is recommended that all shell connections be done via SSH.
Providing shell access is a fundamental part of our philosophy with regard to Remote Administration. Shell access is one of the most powerful features of our Virtual Dedicated Servers. Using a SSH client, you can connect and log in to your server from anywhere in the world, as if you were sitting right in front it.
Once you have chosen a SSH client, connecting to your Virtual Dedicated Server is extremely simple. Although SSH clients vary in their exact configuration, most of them will simply require you to specify a "remote host". Your remote host is your Virtual Dedicated Server, so you would specify your domain name (or your temporary domain, if applicable) or IP address.
Once you are connected, you will be prompted for your login name and login password. You specified both your login name and login password when you ordered your Virtual Dedicated Server. After the login process is successful, you will have gained access to your Virtual Server and can now issue commands at the command prompt. If you are not familiar with UNIX, you can learn some simple UNIX commands and use them with confidence.