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Using SSH Communication's "SSH Secure Shell" to Connect to SPH UNIX Machines

SSH Secure Shell is a computer program used to establish a secure remote login session to a UNIX computer. The SSH protocol encrypts all traffic between your workstation and the remote UNIX computer to prevent eavesdropping and preserve data integrity. For this reason, access to SPH UNIX machines is only permitted using SSH and SFTP. Historical methods of remote access to UNIX computers including Telnet, rlogin, and FTP are not supported by the School of Public Health.

Mac OS X and Linux users already have access to a basic command line SSH and SFTP client that is installed by default with the system and thus it is not necessary to download and install additional software.

To run the SSH client on a Mac, first run Terminal.app. This may be found in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on the hard disk. When the terminal opens, simply use the SSH command with your UM uniqname and desired host name following the format in the example below:

ssh youruniqname@compute0.sph.umich.edu

To run the SSH client on a Linux machine, first run an xterm or equivalent (the method for doing so varies depending on your Linux distribution). When the terminal opens, simply use the SSH command with your UM uniqname and desired host name following the format in the example below:

ssh youruniqname@compute0.sph.umich.edu

Windows users have two supported options for SSH client software. For those in need of only the most basic capabilities or those running without administrator rights, we recommend the PuTTY program. For more features, a friendlier interface, and graphical file transfer capabilities, we recommend the U-M licensed SSH Secure Shell client, which may be found on the Blue Disc site. The remainder of this document will discuss the installation and usage of the SSH Secure Shell client.

To install the software:

1. Select "Windows 2000/XP" from the "Blue Disc Software" drop down menu. Sign in with your UM uniqname and Kerberos password when prompted.
2. Click on the "Download" link next to "SSH Secure Shell 2.3.9 (Dec 2009)"
3. Double-click on the "SSH_Secure_Shell.exe" file that you downloaded.
4. Click the "Continue" button within the installer to install the client to your hard drive.

After the install has completed, use the following procedure to connect to a SPH UNIX machine:

1. Invoke the program by going to Start -> Programs -> UM Internet Access Kit -> SSH Secure Shell-> SSH Secure Shell Client
2. Click on the "Quick Connect" button.
3. Enter a host name, for example, compute0.sph.umich.edu.
4. Enter your UM uniqname as the user name.
5. Leave the port number set to 22 and the authentication method set to Profile Settings.
6. Click the "Connect" button to initiate the connection.
7. If this is the first time that you have connected to this particular computer or following certain scheduled maintenance procedures on our systems, you may see a popup window asking if you would like to save the host key to the local database. Click "Yes" if prompted.
8. Enter your password in the dialog box that appears. Following a successful authentication, you will be placed at the UNIX command prompt.