If you've got a Linux server, you'll most likely get a handle on it using Secure Shell or SSH.

Secure shell uses port 22 and provides security services, along with terminal solutions. Not long ago, Telnet was the protocol most used to talk to and control remote servers. As with the case of FTP, a more secure version of the protocol was needed for modern hosting scenarios. You need to install an SSH client to allow communication with your internet host. This may be available from the web host.

A favorite Open-Source ssh through browser, that you may down load for free is PuTTY. You can find a variant of this application together with your favorite search engine. Simply search fot putty.

Once downloaded input the vent and authentication information in the options section of PuTTY, and make sure you save this particular configuration.

Using PuTTY, login into your server. When connected you will see a tiny re-sizable window presenting your Linux server log in prompt. Provide the right credentials and also you may then see the major system instantaneous for the Linux machine.

Since Linux is multi user, other users could be logged into the host. This really is just one of the benefits of using Linux in a network environment. Multiple users may authenticate and make use of the tools of the machine. Users may have different roles, such as user, etc.. Your ssh through browser is likely to soon be restricted to the rights given to your specific user account.

It is typically not a good strategy to login as the root user. The root user, or even superuser account can make changes which you may not want. It's best to use a normal user accounts for everyday activities. Depending on the distribution you are using, you can implement a command like:

This command allows you to carry out administrative tasks, and never having admin level statements. You will be offered a prompt for your private password. If your account name is really on the "sudo su" list (find out your administrator about it), then you'll be given administrator privileges, until you log out of the admin accounts. Upon logging out, you will soon be straight back into your normal user accounts.

Once you have gained access to your server, you're able to issue shell commands to browse and manage the host. The commands used depend on the "flavor" of casing being used by your machine. Most Linux users will use the "bash" shell but could be using the "dash" shell instead.

In short, logging into a remote host's casing, you need to make use of the ssh protocol. It is possible to use the free PuTTY application with it. The log in will need the SSH server's IP address and your login credentials. In the future articles we will examine of use shell commands that every administrator should have in their tool box.