PuTTY - SSH Client

August 5, 2008 · Filed Under Linux, Software 

SSH stands for secure shell and is a method of connecting to a server that has SSH (normally linux) so that you are able to execute commands.

Using an SSH client is almost exactly the same as logging into a computer without a GUI. You are able to issue text commands to do almost anything. SSH is the most common method of managing and running servers, because when you log in you can do anything from install software to reboot the server.

To log into a server via SSH, you need to have an SSH client. The most used, and probably best, SSH client is PuTTY. It is simple, easy to use, free and does everything that is needed.

You can download the PuTTY SSH Client here: PuTTY Download

If you are a Windows user, you should download the top version, labelled “PuTTY”, the file is just putty.exe

If you don’t use Windows, then you should download the version correct for your operating system. Once PuTTY is downloaded you should open it up.

On the main page that opens when you start PuTTY, there is only one or two important things, so it is very easy to connect to your server.

In the box labelled “Host Name (or IP Address)” enter the IP address or host name/domain name of your server. In the box to the right of that, labelled “Port”, the default setting is 22. By standard, SSH runs on port 22. However, for security some server and large hosts such as HostGator run SSH on a different port, you will need to contact them to find out what port this is (but try 22 for now).

Now at the bottom click the “Open” button. A black window with white writing should now open. You will be asked for a username, type it in and click enter. You will then be asked for a password, type your password in (you shouldn’t see it typing, but it is).

You should click enter again and you will now be logged into your server using SSH. If it logs in correctly then it means you have done everything right.

If the prompt to enter your username never appears, or you get a network or connection error, then it means that it can’t connect to your server. This means the server either doesn’t have SSH, SSH runs on a different port or you are having connection problems. In all cases, you should contact your host or service provider.

If, when you enter the host name and click open, you get a prompt about a host key no being cached in the registry, just click yes.

If you get an error about an incorrect username or password, then try a few times and then contact your host for help if it still doesn’t work.

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Comments

5 Responses to “PuTTY - SSH Client”

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