University Computing Services

An Introduction to SSH

First, let's get a few frequently asked questions out of the way... then, onto troubleshooting...

What is SSH and why would I want it?
SSH is Secure SHell Software. SSH software is used to encrypt terminal sessions. It will help you secure your terminal emulation sessions (unsecured Telnet will no longer be supported), your FTP sessions, now sFTP, and your Email as well as encrypting your passwords.

All FSU account holders and those using interactive access via Telnet and file transfer via FTP will do so only via secured software.
- You can get your copy of SSH software at FSU User Services Software Licensing.

I want to TELNET and FTP files to my garnet or mailer account, how do I do that using SSH?
You will want to get the SSH software from FSU User Services Software Licensing. Install the software and use it to sFTP. Telnet will no longer be available, however SSH provides the same terminal emulation interface.

I have a Mac and want to sFTP, what software should I use?
Mac users can use Cyberduck. It is a free sFTP client for Mac OS X. Additional information specific to Cyberduck can be found at: cyberduck.ch.

What is tunneling, and why would I want it?
If you are not using SSH software for terminal emulation or sFTP, but you are using FTP client software (WS-FTP, DreamWeaver, ColdFusion, etc.), you will need to 'tunnel' to secure your information, and in some cases, to have access to FSU resources requiring SSH. To learn how to tunnel, please call the FSU Technology Services Help Desk at (850) 644-HELP (644-4357).

Once I have the software, How do I connect to my FSU account?
When making your connection, the sFTP client will ask you for a a few pieces of information.
Hostname: mailer.fsu.edu
Username: your mailer account username, probably your FSUID
Port: leave it as 22