What is SSH?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a program to log into another computer over a network, to execute commands on a remote computer, and to move files from one computer to another, in a secure manner. Regular telnet connections transmit your password over the net in “plaintext” --your password is not encrypted or protected in any way. It is possible for others to eavesdrop on the network and capture your username and password. With your username and password, they can then easily use your account, reading or changing your files, electronic mail, etc. With SSH, your password never is transmitted without strong encryption.

SSH has been installed on the Math Department Unix workstations. When you wish to connect to a remote computer that supports SSH, type ssh remote-hostname where remote-host is the hostname of the other computer. For instance if you want to log on to the Math Department UNIX workstation ultra1, you type ssh ultra1.math.wisc.edu.

To install SSH on your home computer that runs:

• Windows 95/98/NT, use the SecureCRT program.
  Information on getting and installing SecureCRT can be found here.
• Mac 0S, use the Nifty Telnet program.
  Information on getting and installing Nifty Telnet can be found here.
• UNIX, dowload SSH.
  Information on getting and installing SSH for UNIX systems can be found here.

If you have a Windows or Macintosh computer, you might as well download the WiscWorld package, which, along with SSH, has other other useful programs for remote access.