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Using SSH Secure Shell to Connect to Host Computers [Windows]

U-M Information Technology Central Services * S4304 * December 2005

This document describes how to use the version of SSH Secure Shell included in the ITCS Windows Internet Access Kit to connect to U-M and other host computers. SSH encrypts all traffic (including passwords) to effectively eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other network-level attacks. The SSH program can also be used to transfer files using SFTP. See Using Secure Shell (SSH) to Transfer Files With FTP [Windows] (S4299) for details.

NOTE: This document is also available in these formats:

Table of Contents

Obtaining the Software

Members of the U-M community can download SSH Secure Shell from the Blue Disc web site.

Opening a Connection to the ITCS Login Service

ITCS provides a number of shortcuts, or profiles, with the version of SSH Secure Shell installed as part of the Internet Access Kit, to make it easier for you to connect to popular host computers at U-M. Here's how to use them.

  1. Make sure you have a working Internet connection. If you use a modem, establish a dial-up connection. If you use Ethernet, your connection should already be available.

  2. Double-click the UM Internet Access Kit folder on your desktop. In that folder, you will find several profiles, including one that you can use to connect to the ITCS Login Service.

    3. Double-click the profile that you want to use. To open a terminal connection to the ITCS Login Service, for example, double-click the ITCS Login (terminal) icon.

    Screen shot of the ITCS Login (terminal) icon.

  3. In the User Name field, type your uniqname, then click Connect.

    4. Screen shot showing where to type your uniqname.

    IMPORTANT! Connect to login.itd.umich.edu to run programs on the Login Service. If, instead, you want to transfer files, connect to sftp.itd.umich.edu. See Using Secure Shell (SSH) to Transfer Files With FTP [Windows] (S4299) for details.

  4. In the Password field, type your UMICH Kerberos password, then click OK.

    5. Screen shot of the Enter Password dialog box.

  5. You will be connected to the ITCS Login Service.

Connecting to a Host for Which There Is No Profile

To open a connection to a host computer for which there is no pre-configured profile, open SSH Secure Shell and then open a connection. You will need the host name of the computer to which you want to connect.

  1. In the UM Internet Access Kit folder, open the SSH Secure Shell folder.

  2. Double-click the Secure Shell Client icon.

    3. Screen shot of the Secure Shell Client icon.

  3. Click Quick Connect.

    4. Screen shot of the Quick Connect button.

  4. In the Connect to Remote Host dialog box:

    1. In the Host Name field, enter the host name of the computer to which you want to connect. For example, the host name of the ITCS Login Service is login.itd.umich.edu.

    2. In the User Name field, type the user name you use for that computer. For example, your user name for the ITCS Login Service is your uniqname.

    3. Click Connect.

      4. Screen shot of the Connect to Remote Host dialog box.

  5. In the Enter Password dialog box, type the password you use for the computer to which you are connecting. For example, type your UMICH password if you are connecting to the ITCS Login Service. Then click OK.

HINT: If you connect to a particular computer often, you may want to create your own profile for it.

  1. While you are connected to the computer for which you want to create a profile, select Add Profile from the Profiles pop-up menu.

    2. Screen shot of the Profiles pop-up menu.

  2. In the Add Profile dialog box, enter a name, then press the Return key.

    3. Screen shot of the Add Profile dialog box.

To use your new profile, select it from the Profiles pop-up menu.

Disconnecting from a Host Computer

Log out or exit from the host computer to which you connected. You can usually do this by typing exit or logout then pressing the Enter key. You should always exit or logout before closing the window on your session.

Screen shot of the not-connected indicator at the bottom left corner of the SSH window.

Exiting SSH

  1. From the File menu, select Exit.

  2. If you are using a dial-up connection, be sure to close your modem connection when you have finished using it.

    3. WARNING! Your computer account will continue to accrue dial-in charges for as long as you have an open dial-up connection to the Internet.

Additional Resources

Visit ITCS's Information System to obtain ITCS computer documentation and other resources. A list of relevant documents follows:

We welcome your comments; please send e-mail.

ITCS's Online Help Desk provides a variety of computing help resources.

For further help with SSH Secure Shell, send e-mail or phone (734) 764-HELP.