# Getting started

A VPS Pro goes into service in five steps: you choose your size, we prepare your offer, you add your SSH key, you pay, and your server creates itself.

## 1. Choose your size

On the [VPS Pro page](https://www.simafri.com/en/vps/), each size carries a button, **Choose Pro 1** to **Choose Pro 6**: it opens the contact form, already filled in with the chosen size. Tell us what you want to run: we recommend the right size and prepare your server.

From your client area [my.simafri.com](https://my.simafri.com/), the **Our services** section shows the **VPS Pro** family: **See the offer** displays each size and its price, and **Write to us** puts you in touch with our team.

In your message, specify:

* the **size** you want, or what your application needs (language, database, number of users), so that we can advise you;
* the **cycle**: monthly, or yearly with one month free;
* your site's **domain name**, if you have one (see the next step);
* the **system** you want, if it is not Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Our team then sends you your proforma, which you find in the **Billing** section of your client area.

## 2. Your server's name

Every VPS Pro carries a name, set when you order. It is used to reach your server over SSH and to serve your site over HTTPS.

* **With a domain name**: your server takes the name you give, for example `my-company.com` or `app.my-company.com`. A subdomain works very well: your current site and your mailboxes stay where they are, and only this subdomain points to your VPS.
* **Without a domain name**: your server receives a name of its own under `vps.simafri.cloud`, for example `pro2-k7m2qx.vps.simafri.cloud`, which works immediately, with no DNS setup at all.

You add other domains at any time (see [Putting a site or an application online](/en/vps-pro/mettre-en-ligne.md)).

## 3. The system

Your VPS Pro is delivered with **Ubuntu 24.04 LTS**, or with **Debian 13** if you request it when ordering. For **Rocky Linux** or **AlmaLinux**, also say so when ordering. You then install everything your project needs.

## 4. Add your SSH key

Your server opens with your SSH key, which you add yourself in your client area, **VPS** section, as soon as your server's card appears there, even while it is being prepared: the key is then installed when the server is created. The details are in [Connecting over SSH](/en/vps-pro/connexion-ssh.md).

## 5. Pay the proforma

Pay your proforma from the **Billing** section, with one of the payment methods it shows for your country (see [Invoices and payments](https://docs.simafri.com/en/espace-client/facturation/)). No setup fee is added.

## Going into service

As soon as your payment is recorded, your VPS Pro is created automatically, in a few minutes:

1. The server is created with its system, updated, then connected to the network: its name answers over SSH, HTTP and HTTPS.
2. The SSH key you added is installed on it.
3. Your server's card moves from **Being prepared** to **Running** in the **VPS** section, with its IPv4 and IPv6 addresses and the **SSH connection** command.
4. A "Your server ... is ready" email reaches you, with the connection command. If you do not yet have access to your client area, your invitation arrives in a separate email.

Your subscription runs from the date the server goes into service, shown in the card: **In service since**.

## Your first connection

Copy the **SSH connection** command from your card into your computer's terminal. It has the form:

```
ssh -p 22101 root@203.0.113.10
```

The port and the address are specific to your server: always use the ones from your card. On the first connection, your computer asks you to confirm the server's fingerprint: answer `yes`.

You are now the administrator of your server. To begin:

```
apt update && apt upgrade
```

then install what your application needs. The following guides help you along: [Putting a site or an application online](/en/vps-pro/mettre-en-ligne.md) and [System and security](/en/vps-pro/systeme-et-securite.md).

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I order a VPS Pro without a domain name?

Yes. Your server receives a name under `vps.simafri.cloud`, which works straight away over SSH, HTTP and HTTPS. You add your own domain whenever you wish.

### My card has shown "Being prepared" since I paid: what is happening?[​](#my-card-has-shown-being-prepared-since-i-paid-what-is-happening "Direct link to My card has shown \"Being prepared\" since I paid: what is happening?")

Your server is being created and updated: allow a few minutes. If the card stays at **Being prepared** while your invoice is paid in the **Billing** section, write to support from the card, with the **Contact us** link.

### Who receives the email announcing that the server is ready?

The contact address of your account, in the account owner's language. The connection command remains available at any time in your server's card.