Deploy your first VPS
From an empty account to a running Ubuntu or Windows server in about five minutes — what each choice on the deploy page means and what happens after you pay.
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Documentation
How-to guides for deploying and operating servers on Joy: first VPS, SSH keys, Windows RDP, the REST API, networking and rDNS, snapshots, firewalls and reinstalls.
Getting started
Deploy your first VPSSSH keys and passwordless loginWindows Server: connect with RDP and secure itOperate
Snapshots and backupsFirewall basics: UFW on Ubuntu and Windows Defender FirewallReinstall, OS templates and the guest agentOS templates, reinstall and the guest agent (summary)Network
DNS and reverse DNS (rDNS) for your serverNetworking: static IP, extra IPs and rDNS (summary)Automate
API quickstartSSH keys and passwordless login
Generate a key pair, install it on your Joy server, disable password authentication and keep a way back in.
Read the guideWindows Server: connect with RDP and secure it
Connect to your Windows Server from Windows, macOS, Linux or a phone, then lock RDP down: password, NLA, port, firewall, lockout policy and updates.
Read the guideAPI quickstart
Create a token, price a server, deploy it, poll the job, read the credentials and destroy it — in curl, PHP and JavaScript.
Read the guideDNS and reverse DNS (rDNS) for your server
Point a domain at your Joy IP, set the PTR record from the console, and pass the checks mail servers and game launchers make.
Read the guideSnapshots and backups
What a snapshot is, when to take one, how to roll back, why it is not a backup, and how to set up real backups.
Read the guideFirewall basics: UFW on Ubuntu and Windows Defender Firewall
Close everything you do not use, open only what you do, and do it without locking yourself out.
Read the guideReinstall, OS templates and the guest agent
How Joy installs your server, what the guest agent does, how reinstall works, and what survives it.
Read the guideOS templates, reinstall and the guest agent (summary)
A short version of how Joy installs your server and what the guest agent is used for.
Read the guideNetworking: static IP, extra IPs and rDNS (summary)
Your IPv4 is configured for you; here is how to add more and set reverse DNS.
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Quick links
REST API v1 reference
Network status & incidents
Plans and pricing
Frequently asked questions
Support & help desk
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Every guide here was tested on a Joy VPS. Deploy one by the hour and follow along.