> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://flashrdp.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Linux VPS FAQ

> Questions about FlashRDP Linux VPS servers: available distributions, SSH access and keys, root password, desktop environments, custom ISOs, rescue mode and switching distributions.

## Distributions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Which Linux distributions can I install?" icon="layers">
    Ubuntu, Debian, AlmaLinux, Rocky Linux, CentOS, Fedora, Oracle Linux, Alpine Linux, Arch Linux and openSUSE, plus FreeBSD, each in several versions. The current list is on [Linux distributions](/docs/linux-vps/distributions).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I switch to another distribution later?" icon="refresh-cw">
    Yes. Use the server's **Reinstall** tab to install any other distribution, or Windows. A reinstall erases the disk, so copy your data first. See [Reinstall your server](/docs/control-panel/reinstall-server).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I get a desktop on Linux?" icon="monitor">
    Yes. Some versions come with a desktop, such as Debian with GNOME or XFCE, and AlmaLinux or Rocky Linux Desktop. For a full Windows desktop, use [Windows RDP](/docs/windows-rdp/overview).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I install a distribution that isn't listed?" icon="disc">
    Yes. Mount your own ISO in the advanced Server Panel, or [open a ticket](https://new.flashrdp.com/support/new) and we can mount a custom ISO for you. See [Advanced Server Panel](/docs/control-panel/server-panel#advanced-server-panel).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Access

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How do I connect to my Linux VPS?" icon="terminal">
    Over SSH as `root`. The server's **Overview** tab shows the ready-made command, for example `ssh root@203.0.113.10`. See [Connect over SSH](/docs/linux-vps/ssh-access).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I sign in with SSH keys?" icon="key">
    Yes. Save your public keys on the **SSH keys** page of the Billing Portal and select them when you deploy or reinstall. Keys you add later only apply to new installs; on a running server, add them to `/root/.ssh/authorized_keys`. See [Manage SSH keys](/docs/control-panel/ssh-keys).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I lost my root password" icon="key-round">
    Click **Reset** next to **Password** on the server's **Overview** tab. The new password appears on screen and your files stay as they are. The server must be running. See [Reset server password](/docs/control-panel/reset-server-password).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="I locked myself out with a firewall rule" icon="lock">
    Click **Console** on the server's page to open its screen in your browser, sign in as `root` and fix the rule there. The console doesn't depend on your server's network settings.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is there a rescue mode?" icon="life-buoy">
    Yes, in the advanced Server Panel in the classic client area. It boots a temporary rescue system so you can repair the disk or recover files. See [Advanced Server Panel](/docs/control-panel/server-panel#advanced-server-panel).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Running services

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Is the Linux VPS managed?" icon="wrench">
    No. You install, update and secure the software. We keep the hardware, network and virtualization running. See [User responsibilities](/docs/terms/user-responsibilities).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I run Docker?" icon="container">
    Yes. KVM gives you a full kernel, so Docker, Docker Compose and other container tools work as on any Linux machine. See [Docker Compose deployments](/docs/guides/docker-compose-deployment-recovery).
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I host a website or control panel?" icon="globe">
    Yes. You can run Nginx, Apache, databases or a hosting panel such as cPanel, CyberPanel or Coolify. Third-party panel licenses are your responsibility. See [Host a website with Nginx](/docs/guides/host-website-nginx).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related Articles

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect over SSH" icon="terminal" href="/docs/linux-vps/ssh-access" />

  <Card title="Linux distributions" icon="layers" href="/docs/linux-vps/distributions" />
</CardGroup>


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