===== How To Use SSH on Windows to Connect to a Remote Server =====

==== What Is SSH? ====
**[[cs101:ssh|SSH]]**, or **Secure Shell**, is a protocol used to securely log onto remote systems (Not just computers but some routers, switches, etc). It is the most common way to access remote Linux and Unix-like servers.

==== Overview ====

PuTTY is a free software application for Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7, (the ill fated 8 & 8.1), and (the mess that is) Windows 10 which can be used to make an SSH connection to your server. You can download the application from [[https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html|https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/latest.html]]

==== Requirements ====
Before you start, you'll need:

  * A computer connected to the internet.
  * The fully qualified domain name ([[cs101:FQDN|FQDN]]) of the remote computer.
  * Your NDSU SSH login credentials (see [[cs101:authentication|Authentication]]).
  * The Putty application mentioned above.


==== Instructions ====

  - To start Putty, double-click on the putty.exe program you downloaded, or the desktop shortcut created if you used an installer, to launch the application.  
    * **Note:** You may receive a warning that the publisher cannot be verified. If you have downloaded this program from a good source, select Run. 
  - Enter your connection settings.
    * **Host Name:** example.com **or** lab10.cs.ndsu.nodak.edu
    * **Port:** 22 (leave as default)
    * **Connection Type:** SSH (leave as default)
    * {{:cs101:putty_settings.png?400|}}
  - Click Open to start your SSH session.
    * If this is your first time connecting to a particular server, you should receive a Security Alert message like the one below. Read it and make the appropriate decision.
    * {{:cs101:puttysecurityalert.png?400|}}
    * A terminal window will open asking for your username and password.
    * {{:cs101:putty_term.png?400|}}
    * You are now connected to the remote computer.

==== Windows PowerShell ====

Another option, for those using Windows 10, is Windows PowerShell. 

Current versions of PowerShell (2021 and later) work much like using [[cs101:sshfromlinux|SSH from Linux]]. Earlier versions use a different command structure that you can Google if needed.

The default PowerShell color scheme leaves much to be desired, so if you have trouble reading a blue font on a blue background, you can change the color scheme by right clicking on the window logo and choosing Properties.