Overview
Using SSH, or Secure Shell, it is possible to sign in to a Unix account from a personal computer. Follow the instructions provided below to access a UNIX account from a personal computer.
If you are connecting to this server from off campus, a VPN connection is required. Please see instructions at How do I connect to the Purdue VPN?
Instructions
Windows
When using the Windows operating system, it is first necessary to download and install a SSH client. Popular SSH clients include, but are not limited to:
SecureCRT - Officially supported by Purdue IT, contact it@purdue.edu or (765) 494-4000 for additional assistance. This software is free of charge for university use.
PuTTY - Open source SSH client that is free for everyone. PuTTY has a very simple interface that doesn't require an installation which allows for running the application immediately after download.
Mac OS X and Linux
Mac OS X (with the UNIX tools installed, available on the OS X install DVD) or Linux operating systems should have SSH already installed.
- Launch the Terminal.
- Type 'ssh -I username hostname' and press the 'Enter' key. The 'username' entry should be the proper career account username, and the 'hostname' entry should be the UNIX system host name (for example, guru.itap.purdue.edu).
- Supply the proper career account password when prompted.
- A UNIX command prompt will populate where Unix commands can be executed
- To close the connection type either 'exit' or 'logout' and press the 'Enter' key. The terminal window can be closed if it does not automatically do so.
Troubleshooting
Verify that an account exists on the UNIX server being connected to before attempting to connect.
If an access denied error appears, verify that the username and password that were provided are correct.
Still need help? Click the 'Purdue IT Request' button to start a ticket.