Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ServerBuddy

General

What is ServerBuddy?

ServerBuddy is a native macOS application that provides a beautiful GUI for managing Linux servers via SSH. It turns complex command-line tasks into simple point-and-click operations, making server management accessible and efficient.

What are the system requirements?

ServerBuddy requires macOS 14 or later on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, or newer). It's a native Swift application optimized specifically for Apple Silicon architecture.

Who can benefit from using ServerBuddy?

ServerBuddy is perfect for DevOps engineers, system administrators, developers, IT teams, startups, and agencies who manage Linux servers. Whether you're managing one server or dozens, if you find yourself frequently SSH-ing into servers, ServerBuddy will make your workflow faster and more enjoyable.

How many servers can I manage?

There's no limit! You can add and manage as many servers as you need with a single ServerBuddy license.

Does ServerBuddy store my passwords?

ServerBuddy stores passwords securely in your macOS Keychain, the same secure system used by Safari and other Apple applications. It also supports SSH key-based authentication using your system's SSH configuration. Your credentials never leave your Mac and are protected by macOS security features.

Does ServerBuddy install anything on my servers?

No, ServerBuddy doesn't install any software on your servers. It works entirely through SSH commands and doesn't require any server-side installation or agents. Your servers remain completely untouched.

Features & Compatibility

Which Linux distributions are supported?

ServerBuddy supports Debian, Ubuntu, and CentOS-based distributions (including AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux). These are the officially tested and supported Linux distributions.

Can I manage Docker containers?

Yes! ServerBuddy includes comprehensive Docker management features. You can view, start, stop, and create containers, manage images, networks, and volumes, and monitor container logs and stats.

Does it work with cloud servers?

Absolutely! ServerBuddy works with any server you can SSH into, including AWS EC2, DigitalOcean, Linode, Google Cloud, Azure, and any other cloud provider.

Can I use custom SSH ports?

Yes, you can specify any port number when adding a server. ServerBuddy supports custom SSH ports, allowing you to connect to servers running SSH on non-standard ports.

Pricing & Licensing

How does the pricing work?

ServerBuddy costs $59 as a one-time purchase. This includes the full version with all features and 1 year of free updates. After the first year, you can continue using your version forever or optionally renew updates for $29/year.

Is there a free version?

Yes! ServerBuddy offers a free tier that allows you to manage 1 server with full functionality. No credit card required. Upgrade to Pro for unlimited servers.

Can I use ServerBuddy on multiple Macs?

Yes, your license allows you to use ServerBuddy on up to 2 Macs that you personally use. This typically covers your desktop and laptop.

What happens after 1 year?

You keep the app forever. The 1-year period is for updates only. Optional $29/year for continued updates.

Can I try before buying?

Yes! The free edition includes all features for 1 server.

Do you offer team licenses?

Contact us for volume discounts on 5+ licenses.

Support

How do I get help?

Email us at support@prabusoftware.com and we'll help you out. We typically respond within 24 hours on business days.

Is there a refund policy?

We don't offer refunds. However, you can try ServerBuddy completely free with the 1-server edition to ensure it meets your needs before purchasing the Pro version.

Still have questions?

We're here to help! Reach out anytime.

Contact Support