Secure Shell (SSH)

A secure shell (SSH) client provides secure, encrypted communications between two computers over an insecure network. With SSH, you can securely log into a remote computer, execute commands on a remote computer, and move files from one computer to another.

Download the free, supported version of SSH software here.

For instructions, select the SSH application for your operating system below.

Using SSH.com Secure Shell Client

Logging into your account

  1. From the File menu, select Quick Connect.
  2. In the Connect to Remote Host box, fill in the boxes as shown below:

    Host name: login1.oit.duke.edu
    User name: your NetID
    Port number: 22
  3. Click Connect. If this is the first time you are using the client, the Host Identification box will appear asking if you want to save the new host key to the local database. Click Yes.
  4. In the Enter Password box, type your password and click OK.
  5. In the Add Profile box, type a name for the profile and click Add to Profiles. (This saves the connection information so you can connect faster next time.) A connection window will open. You may now use Pine for email, manage your account, or use the programs on the Unix system for other activities.

Logging out of your account

At the Unix prompt, type exit.

Using Mac OS X Terminal Application

  1. Open the Applications folder.
  2. Select Utilities, then Terminal.
  3. In the Terminal window, type the following at the prompt: ssh (NetID)@login1.oit.duke.edu
  4. Press ENTER.
  5. At the password prompt, type your password and press ENTER. A connection will be established. You may use Pine for email, to manage your files, or to use the programs on the Unix system for other activities.