After handover, check access and system updates. Consider who needs to sign in, which services you will run and which network connections they require.
Arrange an alternative access method before changing the firewall or SSH configuration. Testing backups and restores is just as important as the initial installation.
1. Check access
- Sign in with the supplied account and check the hostname, operating system and resources.
- Establish how to access the console if SSH stops working later.
- Create individual user accounts; do not share private keys between users.
2. Create an operational plan
- Scheduling system and application updates.
- Allow only necessary services and network ports.
- Logging, storage and service monitoring.
- Backup frequency, retention and a successful test restore.
3. Operational basics before your first application
| Check availability | Acceptable result |
|---|---|
| Sign in | Access works with your own user account; a separate emergency access path exists. |
| Network | Only necessary, documented services are externally reachable. |
| Software updates | System and application support are understood, and update ownership is assigned. |
| Backup | A separate copy and at least one successful test restore. |
| Error reporting | Logs and availability alerts reach the designated operator. |
