# First steps

> What to set up right after installing.

Source: https://quasar.achaverot.fr/docs/getting-started/first-steps/

A short checklist for a new server. Each item takes a minute.

## 1. Turn on two-factor authentication

**Settings → Two-factor authentication.** Scan the QR code with an authenticator app, then confirm with a code. From then on, signing in asks for a code as well as the password.

## 2. Set up notifications

**Settings → Integrations.** Add at least one channel, so that failures reach you:

- a Discord or Slack webhook,
- an [ntfy](https://ntfy.sh) topic, for push notifications on a phone,
- an SMTP server, for email.

Press **Send test** to check that messages arrive. See [notifications](/server/notifications/).

## 3. Turn on backups

**System → Backups.** Enable the daily backup and choose how many archives to keep.

Then, in the same section:

- **Download the master key** and store it somewhere other than the server. Without it, a backup cannot be restored onto a new server.
- Optionally, set up an **offsite copy** to S3-compatible storage.

See [backups](/server/backups/).

## 4. Deploy an application

Click **New application**, then **See the catalogue** and pick a service. The form is filled in for you: check the subdomain, then click **Create and deploy**.

See [deploying an application](/applications/deploying/) for the other ways to deploy.