# Beginner's Guide to Minecraft Server Hosting (/docs/minecraft/beginners-guide)



Welcome to your new Minecraft server! This guide walks you through the essentials of managing your server using the XGamingServer panel.

Understanding Your Panel [#understanding-your-panel]

When you log into the [XGamingServer panel](https://panel.xgamingserver.com), you'll see several pages in the sidebar:

* **Dashboard** — Server status, resource usage, and quick actions like reinstall
* **Console** — Live server output and command input
* **Files** — Browse, edit, upload, and download server files
* **Startup** — Server settings like version, server name, memory, and JVM flags
* **Backups** — Create and restore server snapshots
* **Network** — View and manage port allocations
* **Schedules** — Set up automated tasks (restarts, commands, backups)
* **Databases** — Create MySQL databases for plugins

First Steps After Setup [#first-steps-after-setup]

**1. Start your server** — Click the Start button on the `Dashboard`. Wait for the console to show "Done" — your server is ready.

**2. Connect to your server** — Open Minecraft, go to Multiplayer → Add Server, and enter your server IP and port. See [How to Connect](/docs/minecraft/join-server) for details.

**3. Give yourself admin (OP)** — In `Console`, type: `op YourUsername`. This gives you full command access in-game. See [Adding Admins](/docs/minecraft/op-permissions).

**4. Set a server name** — Go to `Startup` and change the server name. See [Change Server Name](/docs/minecraft/server-name-motd).

**5. Set a password (optional)** — Add a whitelist to control who can join. See [Adding a Whitelist](/docs/minecraft/whitelist-setup).

Choose Your Server Type [#choose-your-server-type]

Your server type determines what features are available:

| Type                    | Best For                  | Supports                  |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------- | ------------------------- |
| **Paper** (recommended) | Most servers              | Plugins, best performance |
| **Vanilla**             | Pure Minecraft experience | Nothing extra             |
| **Fabric**              | Lightweight mods          | Fabric mods               |
| **Forge / NeoForge**    | Modpacks                  | Forge mods and modpacks   |

To change your server type, go to `Startup` and select a different JAR. See [Server Types Explained](/docs/minecraft/server-types-explained) for a full comparison.

Essential Guides [#essential-guides]

* [Configure Your Server](/docs/minecraft/server-properties) — Customize server.properties
* [Installing Plugins](/docs/minecraft/plugin-setup) — Add functionality with plugins
* [Installing Mods](/docs/minecraft/mod-setup) — Add mods to Forge/Fabric servers
* [Performance Guide](/docs/minecraft/optimize-server) — Optimize server performance
* [Aikar's Flags](/docs/minecraft/jvm-flags) — Optimize Java memory settings

Getting Help [#getting-help]

If you run into issues, check the [Troubleshooting Guide](/docs/minecraft/common-issues) or join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/) for community support.