{"id":2314,"date":"2023-07-21T16:26:20","date_gmt":"2023-07-21T16:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tryrdp.com\/blog\/?p=2314"},"modified":"2026-05-24T06:26:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T06:26:37","slug":"use-ssh-to-connect-to-a-remote-server-in-linux-or-windows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tryrdp.com\/blog\/use-ssh-to-connect-to-a-remote-server-in-linux-or-windows\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use SSH to Connect to a Remote Server in Linux or Windows?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re ever required to securely connect to a remote system and connect to a command line connection, SSH is the tool to do the task. Secure Shell Protocol (SSH) has been used for many years to connect remotely with Unix and Linux or BSD devices over unsecured connections.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SSH works on a classic client-server model that allows the remote user (client) to join a computer and execute commands just like they were on the machine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SSH is especially helpful for servers (perhaps located on some of the most affordable web hosts) and a Raspberry Pi you need to manage remotely. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because these systems mainly run Linux, It’s simple to edit scripts, alter important configuration files, or download software from a remote location.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Open SSH: Credentials and Access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To establish an SSH connection using an operating system, first, you require connectivity to the device. In addition, it must have its address as an address on the Internet or an acceptable hostname. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need to provide the hostname or IP address to connect, and after that, you’ll be presented with an invitation to enter an account login and password.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a Web hosting account with SSH enabled, you will likely be able to use your domain name as your address and the username and password to connect to FTP or cPanel to sign in. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If these aren’t working, follow the directions on the hosting site. If you’re connecting to the local network server, you’ll require the computer’s name or IP address and ensure you are connected to the device remotely. It is registered for the user on that.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is SSH?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Secure Shell, sometimes called Secure Socket Shell, is an interface that allows users to connect securely to remote computers or servers using a text-based interface.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once a secured SSH connection is established, a shell session will be initiated, and you will be able to control the server by typing commands into the client’s running on your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Network administrators and system administrators utilize this protocol most often, as do all those who must manage the computer remotely in a safe way.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does SSH Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

To set up connection to an SSH connection, you require two elements which are a client as well as the server-side component that is corresponding. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An SSH client can be described as an app you install on your computer to connect to another device or server. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The client makes use of the information about the remote host to start the connection. If you verify your credentials, it establishes a secure connection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the server’s end, there is a component known as an SSH daemon that is always watching a specific TCP\/IP port in case of possible client connection requests. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a client attempts to establish a connection, it will be detected by the SSH daemon, will react using the software and protocol versions it is able to support, and both will exchange the client’s identification information. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

SSH creates a new session in the correct environment if the credentials supplied are valid. The standard SSH protocol for SSH servers, as well as SSH client communication, is version 2.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Enable an SSH Connection?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because establishing SSH connections involves both the client and a server component, it is important to ensure that they are installed on the local machine and remote machine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An open-source SSH tool that is widely used in Linux distributions is OpenSSH. Installing OpenSSH is fairly simple. You will need access to the server’s terminal and the device you use to connect. Be aware that Ubuntu does not come with an SSH server by default.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Install an OpenSSH Client?<\/h2>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Before installing the SSH client, be sure you have it installed. A lot of Linux distributions already come with one SSH client. For Windows machines, it is possible to use PuTTY or another client you like to connect to servers.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To verify whether the client is running on your Linux-based system you’ll need to:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Install your SSH terminal. You can look up “terminal” or press CTRL + ALT + T to open your keyboard.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Enter ssh in the terminal and hit Enter on the terminal.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. When the application is running, you’ll receive a message that appears like this:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    username@host:$ username@host:$<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    usage: ssh [-1246AaCfGgKkMNnqsTtVvXxYy] [-b bind_address] [-c cipher_spec]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    [-D [bind_address:]port] [-E log_file] [-e escape_char]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    [-F configfile] [-I pkcs11] [-i identity_file]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    [-J [user@]host[:port]] [-L address] [-l login_name] [-m mac_spec] [-O ctl_cmd] [-o option] [-p port] [-Q query_option] [-R address] [-S ctl_path] [-W host:port] [-w local_tun[:remote_tun]]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    [user@]hostname [command]<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    username@host:~$<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
    This means that you’re in a position to connect to a virtual or physical machine remotely. If not, you’ll need to connect to OpenSSH. OpenSSH client:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Use the following procedure to set up OpenSSH on your computer. OpenSSH client onto your PC:<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. sudo apt-get install OpenSSH-client<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Enter the superuser’s password when you are asked to do so.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Hit Enter to complete the installation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      You can now SSH into any device with the server-side software running, provided you have the right permissions along with the hostname and IP address.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
      How to Install an OpenSSH Server?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      The computer requires the server-side portion of the SSH software toolkit to make an SSH connection. Suppose you want to determine whether the OpenSSH server is installed in the Ubuntu system running on the remote computer, which needs to accept SSH connections. In that case, you could attempt to connect directly to your local server:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Start Terminal on the server. You can search for “terminal” or press CTRL + alt + T on your keyboard.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Input ssh localhost, then press enter.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. On systems that do not have the SSH server installed, the response will appear like this:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        username@host:~$ ssh localhost<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
        SSH:<\/b> Connect to port 22 of localhost host Connection refused username@host$<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
        If this scenario is true, then you must connect to OpenSSH. Keep the terminal open, and follow these steps:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. The following command is needed to set up an SSH server:<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Sudo apt-get install openssh-server I.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Enter your password for superusers when you are asked.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Enter and Y to permit an installation process to go on, following the prompt for disk space.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          The necessary supporting files for the server will be downloaded. Then, you can verify that you are running the SSH server has been running on your machine by typing: Sudo service ssh status.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          The terminal’s response will look like this if you are using the SSH service is currently working properly:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          username@host:-$ sudo service ssh status<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          * ssh.service * ssh.service OpenBSD Secure Shell server<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          Loaded: loaded (\/lib\/systemd\/system\/ssh.service; enabled; vendor preset: enab<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          Inactive: actively (running) since the 12th of March, 2022 at 10:53:44 CET, 1min 22s old The process is 1174. ExecReload=\/bin\/kill $MAINPID (code=exited Status=0\/SUCCES<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          Main PID: 3165 (sshd)<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          Another method of determining whether you are sure that the OpenSSH server is properly installed and can accept connections is to run the ssh localhost command within your terminal prompt. The output will be similar to the screen you see when executing this command the first time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          username@host:~$ ssh localhost<\/span><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          The authenticity of the host \"localhost (127.0.0.1) cannot be confirmed. ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:9jqmhko9Yo1EQAS1QeNy9xKceHFG5F8W6kp7EX9U3Rs. Are you sure that you wish to connect (yes\/no)? Yes<\/span><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          Warning: Added 'localhost' (ECDSA) to the list of hosts that are known to exist.<\/span><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          username@host:~$<\/span><\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          You can enter Y or Yes to continue.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Congratulations! You’ve set up your server to take SSH connections from a different<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Computer that is using an SSH client.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          TIP<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          You are now able to edit the SSH daemon’s configuration file. For instance, you can alter the default port used for SSH connections. In the terminal prompt, run the following command:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          sudo nano \/etc\/ssh\/sshd_config<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
          The configuration file will be opened in the editor you prefer. In this instance, we used Nano. If you are required to install Nano, then run this command:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          sudo the command sudo apt-get install nano<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Be aware that you will need to start the SSH service each time you make any modifications to the sshd_config file using this command:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          Sudo service ssh restart<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
          How to Connect via SSH?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n
          \n
          \"SSH<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
          To set up secure remote connections using OpenSSH:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
            \n
          1. Open the SSH terminal on your local machine and enter the following command: <\/span>ssh your_username@host_ip_address<\/b>. If the username on your local machine is the same as the one on the server you want to connect to, you can simply enter<\/span> ssh host_ip_address.<\/b><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          2. Enter your password and press Enter. Note that you won’t see any feedback on the screen while typing your password. Make sure to keep your password safe and not in an unprotected text file if you are pasting it.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          3. The first time you connect to a server, you may be asked if you want to continue connecting. Enter “yes” and press Enter. This message will only appear this time because the remote server is not recognized by your local machine.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n
          4. You will be connected to the remote server once an ECDSA fingerprint has been added.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
            It’s generally best to use a private IP address when trying to remotely connect to a device on the same network. If the device is not on the same network, you will need to use the public IP address.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
            Make sure you know the correct TCP port that OpenSSH is listening on for connection requests and that you have the proper port forwarding configurations in place. The default port is 22 unless it has been modified in the sshd_config files. You can also specify the port number after the host’s IP address.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
            Here’s an example of making a connection request using the OpenSSH client:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n
            username@machine:~$ ssh phoenixnap@185.52.53.222 -p7654<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
            phoenixnap@185.52.53.222's password:<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
            The authenticity of the host '185.52.53.222 (185.52.53.222)' cannot be verified. ECDSA key fingerprint is SHA256:9lyrpzo5Yo1EQAS2QeHy9xKceHFH8F8W6kp7EX2O3Ps. Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes\/no)? Yes<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
            Warn: Added ' 185.52.53.222' (ECDSA) permanently to the list of known hosts.<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
            username@host:~$<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
            You can now control and manage the remote device using your terminal. If you have trouble connecting to remote servers, make sure that:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n