I just got a dedicated server and don't know much about how to work my way through administration. I got an email with all the info and read something about SSH to connect, etc. but don't know what the best way to do this is...? Is there not a control panel similar to cpanel for dedicated servers? It's a lot different from shared hosting. Any help would be appreciated.
My advice would be to hire an administration co. to setup, harden and monitor your server if you aren't profecient in server administration. Have a look at http://www.acunett.com/management/. Cheap prices for the piece of mind in knowing your server is being looked after.
Maybe you should get a "managed" dedicated server instead. This sounds like more like what you were expecting perhaps...
I figured it out. I didn't have any control panel installed when I bought it. Just went through the setup too fast. I'm up and running now.