How to use SSH (Secure Shell) on Windows and Mac to access your account

What is SSH Access and Why Would You Need to Use SSH?

Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol that provides secure, encrypted command-line access to your Ruachost server. Using SSH, you can remotely log in to your Ruachost server and execute commands as if you were physically present at the server’s terminal. This access is invaluable for system administration, file management, or any task requiring direct interaction with your server.

SSH is the primary protocol supported for command-line access at Ruachost, and it ensures a secure connection through encryption. Unlike less secure methods like telnet, SSH is both safe and efficient. Through its text-based interface, SSH offers faster ways to complete tasks that are not always possible through graphical interfaces or hosting control panels.

How SSH Works

SSH establishes a secure, encrypted tunnel between two machines, typically your local computer and a remote server. This tunnel allows you to transfer files or run commands securely, as if you were physically present at the server. SSH provides a simplified and secure solution for remote access, reducing the need for more complicated alternatives such as screen-sharing or direct physical access to the server.

What You Need to Create an SSH Connection

To connect via SSH, you will need an SSH client installed on your local machine:

• Windows Users: Tools like PuTTY or WinSCP are commonly used.
• macOS/Linux Users: Both of these operating systems come with built-in terminal applications, making it easier to use SSH without needing additional software.

Below is a step-by-step guide for connecting to your Ruachost server through SSH.

How to Find SSH Connection Details

To get your SSH connection details (such as IP address, port, username, and password), log in to your Ruachost dashboard:

1. Navigate to your Ruachost account portal.

2. Select your active service plan under “Your Services.”

3. On the “Manage” page, you’ll find your server’s technical details, including the IP address, SSH port, username, and password.

   Using an SSH Client

   Once you have your connection details, you can use an SSH client to establish the connection. Follow the steps below based on your operating system.

   For Windows Users (Using PuTTY)

   1. Download and install PuTTY.
   2. Start PuTTY.
   3. In the “Host Name (or IP address)” field, enter your server’s hostname or IP address.
   4. In the “Port” field, enter the correct SSH port (typically 7822 for Ruachost).
   5. Ensure the “Connection type” is set to SSH.
   6. Click “Open” to initiate the connection.
   7. A security alert about the server’s host key might appear—click “Yes” to proceed.
   8. Enter your Ruachost username and press Enter.
   9. When prompted, enter your password. (Note: no characters will appear as you type the password for security reasons.)
   10. After successful login, you’ll see a command-line prompt similar to:

username@server.com [~]#

11. You can now start executing commands. For example, type ls to list the files in the current directory.

To exit the SSH session, type exit and press Enter.

For macOS and Linux Users (Using Built-in Terminal)

• Open the Terminal application (on macOS, navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal).
• At the command prompt, type the following command, replacing username with your Ruachost username, and server.com with your server’s domain or IP address:

ssh -p 7822 username@server.com

• Ruachost typically uses port 7822 for SSH connections.\
• When prompted, enter your password. (As with Windows, no characters will appear as you type the password.)\
• Upon successful login, you’ll see the command-line prompt:

username@server.com [~]#

• You can now run any necessary commands. For example, use ls to list files in your directory.\
• To close the SSH connection, type exit and press Enter.

Conclusion

SSH access with Ruachost offers a secure and efficient way to manage your server remotely. Whether you’re transferring files, running scripts, or maintaining your server, SSH provides a reliable command-line tool to accomplish your tasks.