{"data":{"external_id":2865,"slug":"how-can-i-access-a-linux-server-via-ssh-and-transfer-data","title":"How can I access a Linux server via SSH and transfer data?","content":"This guide explains how you can connect to a Linux server using SSH, transfer data between two servers, and download files to your own computer. It’s especially helpful if your main server is currently unavailable and you’re using a temporary KVM server.\nWhat is SSH and why do I need it?\nSSH (Secure Shell) is a secure protocol that allows you to log into a remote Linux server. It’s used to:\nRun commands remotely\nAccess files and directories\nTransfer data securely\nYou\u2019ll typically use the command line (terminal) to work via SSH. On Windows, you can use tools like PuTTY or WinSCP.\nHow do I connect to a Linux server via SSH?\nTo connect, you\u2019ll need:\nThe IP address of the server\nThe username (usually root)\nThe password or an SSH key\nExample (Linux, macOS, or Windows using WSL):\nssh root@123.123.123.123\nWhen connecting for the first time, you\u2019ll be asked to confirm the fingerprint. Type yes and press Enter. Then, enter your password when prompted.\nTip for Windows users: Use PuTTY as an alternative if you\u2019re not using a terminal.\nHow do I transfer data from one Linux server to another?\nMethod 1: Using scp (secure copy)\nGreat for small directories or single files.\nExample:\nscp -r \/var\/www\/html root@212.87.215.194:\/root\/html-backup\n-r means „recursive“ \u2013 it transfers entire directories.\nMethod 2: Using rsync (recommended for large or repeated transfers)\nEfficient for large amounts of data or repeat transfers, as it only syncs changes.\nExample:\nrsync -avz \/var\/www\/ root@212.87.215.194:\/root\/html-backup\/\n-a: archive mode\n-v: verbose output\n-z: compression during transfer\nWhat should I do if my server uses a non-standard SSH port?\nSome servers use a custom SSH port instead of the default port 22. You\u2019ll need to specify the correct port manually.\nConnect using a custom SSH port:\nssh -p 2222 root@123.123.123.123\nUse scp with a custom port:\nscp -P 2222 -r \/var\/www\/html root@destination:\/root\/\nUse rsync with a custom port:\nrsync -avz -e \"ssh -p 2222\" \/var\/www\/ root@destination:\/root\/html-backup\/\nHow do I download files from the server to my computer?\nOn Linux or macOS:\nscp -r root@123.123.123.123:\/root\/html-backup \/home\/yourname\/Documents\/\nWith a custom port:\nscp -P 2222 -r root@123.123.123.123:\/root\/html-backup \/home\/yourname\/Documents\/\nOn Windows using WinSCP:\nDownload WinSCP and install it.\nOpen the program and enter your connection details:\nProtocol: SCP\nHost name: Server IP address\nPort number: e.g. 2222\nUsername: root\nPassword: your SSH password\nYou can now browse server files and drag & drop them to your PC.\nWhat commands should I know?\nTaskCommand\/ToolConnect via default SSH portssh root@IP-addressConnect via custom SSH portssh -p PORT root@IP-addressTransfer data using scpscp -r or scp -P PORTTransfer data using rsyncrsync -avz or rsync -e \"ssh -p PORT\"Download data to local PCscp (Linux\/macOS) or WinSCP (Windows)\nHow can I keep transfers running overnight?\nPro tip: If you’re running a large transfer that may take a while (e.g., overnight), it’s best to use the screen tool. This allows the process to continue even if you disconnect from the server or lose your internet connection.\nHere’s how to use it:\nStart a new screen session: screen -S transfer\nRun your transfer command inside the screen session (e.g., rsync or scp).\nTo detach the screen session without stopping the process:\nPress: Ctrl + A, then D\nTo resume the session later: screen -r transfer\nIf screen is not installed:\napt install screen\nThis way, you avoid interruptions and can safely run transfers in the background.\nWhat can I do if I need help?\nIf you\u2019re unsure or need assistance transferring your data, feel free to contact our support team.","schema":null,"facts":[],"links":[{"type":"external","url":"https:\/\/winscp.net\/","data":{"title":"WinSCP :: Official Site :: Free SFTP and FTP client for Windows","meta_description":"WinSCP is a free file manager for Windows supporting FTP, SFTP, S3 and WebDAV.","meta":{"":"1","viewport":"width=device-width, initial-scale=1","keywords":"file manager,sftp client,scp client,ftp client,windows,secure file transfer,ftp,freeware","google-site-verification":"R-0cOllfdlHe93mQzthYHV_GUkAImaodzbyD5--pXOQ","DCTERMS.modified":"2026-03-25T12:16:28+01:00"}}}]}}