SSH

SSH stands for Secure SHell. More information about SSH can be found here, but in a nutshell, it is an encrypted connection to a Unix/Linux terminal. Because much of what we do in the lab is done through the terminal, connecting to our lab computers via SSH allows you to get things done without being physically in the lab.

In order to connect via SSH, you will need an SSH client, and different operating systems will use different SSH clients. Though there are many alternatives, suggested clients are provided below.

Windows

The suggested SSH client for computers running Windows is called PuTTY , and the latest version of the program can be found here. This program does not need to install a bunch of files or modify your computer in any way in order to run. Simply download putty.exe, copy (or move) this file to whichever directory you prefer (e.g., C:\Windows\Program Files x86\PUTTY\) and launch it.

Note that the fact that this simple program doesn't do a big installation song and dance is a blessing and a curse: It's really compact and doesn't muck up your computer with stuff you don't want. On the other hand, you won't have the benefit of having a handy Start Menu shortcut being created for you. You will either have to find the putty.exe file on your computer each time you want to connect, or else create a menu or desktop shortcut manually.