What are common SSH connection error messages and how can I fix them?

I'm getting a 'Connection refused' error when trying to SSH into my server. What does that mean?

The 'Connection refused' error usually means that the SSH service is not running on the server or the server is not reachable. You can check if the SSH service is active and ensure that the server's firewall allows SSH connections.

How can I check if the SSH service is running?

You can check the status of the SSH service by running the command sudo systemctl status ssh on the server. If it's not running, you can start it with sudo systemctl start ssh.

What if I see a 'Permission denied' error?

A 'Permission denied' error typically indicates that your username or password is incorrect, or your SSH key is not properly configured. Double-check your credentials and ensure your public key is added to the server's authorized_keys file.

Are there any other common SSH errors I should be aware of?

Yes, other common errors include 'Connection timed out' which may indicate network issues, and 'Host key verification failed' which suggests a problem with the server's SSH key. Each has specific troubleshooting steps.