Imagine managing your Linux server securely and efficiently from anywhere in the world. Whether you are an experienced system administrator or a curious beginner, accessing your server remotely is a fundamental skill that unlocks a world of possibilities.
With PuTTY, a versatile and user-friendly SSH terminal, you can easily connect to your server, ensuring your systems are up and running smoothly, no matter where you are.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process of using PuTTY to access your Linux server. We’ve got you covered, from downloading and installing the software to securely logging in.
Let’s dive in and explore how you can use PuTTY to take control of your server!
Steps to Access Your Linux Server Using PuTTY SSH Terminal
➔ After creating a new Linux Cloud Server or purchasing a Linux VPS server, you can connect to it using PuTTY. PuTTY is a free tool that provides SSH and telnet services for Windows computers.
➔ To install PuTTY on your Windows computer, visit the provided URL to download the PuTTY Download Page.
➔ Once the installation is complete, launch the PuTTY SSH client. Enter your server’s IP address and specify the SSH port. While the default SSH port is 22, we use a custom port ‘7576’ for enhanced security. Click on ‘Open’ to continue.
➔ A PuTTY security alert regarding the server’s host key will appear the first time you connect. Accept the alert by clicking the ‘Yes’ button.
➔ You will see the prompt ‘login as:’ where you need to enter your SSH username. Once you have typed in your username, press the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard.
➔ Now, you have to enter an SSH password. The characters you type will not be visible on the screen for security reasons. Once you have typed the password, press the ‘Enter’ key on your keyboard.
➔ When the remote server’s command prompt appears, it means you have successfully connected to the server. The initial command line prompt typically looks like username@example.com, followed by the # prompt.
Please note that this method uses password authentication.
Alternatively, you can use key-based authentication to log into your Linux server with an SSH private key. This method is more secure than a password-based login.
➔ If your server uses key-based authentication, go to the left navigation pane in PuTTY, click on ‘Connection’, then ‘Data’, and enter the required username (such as root or centOS) in the Auto-login username field.
➔ Next, under ‘Connection’, select ‘SSH’ and ‘Auth.’ Click ‘Browse’ below the ‘Private key file for authentication’ section.
➔ Go to the folder where your SSH private key file is saved, select the file, and click ‘Open.’
➔ The path to the SSH private key file is now shown in the ‘Private key file for authentication’ field.
➔ Select the ‘Session’ option in the left navigation pane, then click ‘Save’ under the ‘Load, Save, or Delete a Stored Session’ section.
➔ Click ‘Open’ to start your session with the server.
➔ Once the command prompt of the remote server appears, it means you have successfully connected to it.
➔ You are now ready to run commands. To view a list of files in the current directory, just type the ‘ls’ command and hit ‘Enter.’
➔ Once you’re done, type ‘exit’ and hit ‘Enter’ to close the SSH connection.
That’s it! This is how You can access your Linux server using PuTTY SSH Terminal to connect your server, ensuring secure and reliable access. Whether troubleshooting issues, deploying updates, or performing routine maintenance, PuTTY provides a powerful and flexible tool for all your remote server management needs.