How to Get/Install/Use the Secure Shell (including SFTP)

SSH Secure Shell (which includes SFTP) is a replacement for both Telnet and FTP. On some university servers, Telnet and FTP access has been limited or removed for security concerns. Please use this client instead. SSH provides for an encrypted link between client and server computers and should be used anytime data is transferred which is of a sensitive nature, particularly from computers outside the Mason network domain.

Getting Secure Shell

1. Point your browser to http://itusupport.gmu.edu/ and click on "Downloads."
   
2. Select Secure Shell from the list.
   
3. A box will open asking you where to "save" the file. You can save to your desktop for
   easier access. File size is 5.7 MB.

Installing Secure Shell

1. Double click on icon labeled "SSH."
   
2. The Install Shield Wizard dialog box opens, click Next.
   
3. In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, read the License Agreement and then click Yes.
   
4. In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select the default Destination Folder by clicking Next.
   
5. In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select the default Program Folder by clicking Next.
   
6. In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select all four components for
   installation by clicking Next.
   
7. In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, to complete installation click Finish.

Using Secure Shell

1. Double-click the SSH Secure Shell Client desktop icon (or from the Start menu, select Programs, then select SSH Secure Shell.)
   
2. When the SSH Secure Shell dialog box appears, press ENTER.
   
3. In the Connect to Remote Host dialog box type the following:
   In the Host Name field, type osf1.gmu.edu
   In the User Name field, type your osf1 username.
   
4. Click Connect.
   
5. If the Host Identification dialog box appears, click Yes.
   (Note: This dialog box will only appear if you have never logged into osf1.gmu.edu before).
   
6. In the Enter Password dialog box, type your osf1 password.
   
7. Click OK.
   
8. In the next dialog box, you should see the osf1 prompt (osf1.gmu.edu) and can now work with your account.

*Ending Secure Shell session
To end your Secure Shell session, follow these two steps:

1. At the osf1 server's prompt, type exit and press the Return key. You are now
   logged out from the osf1 server.
   
2. Quit the Secure Shell program.

Using SFTP

1. Open SSH Secure Shell.
   
2. Select the icon on the menu bar labeled Profiles.
   
3. Select Add Profile from the list.
   
4. Type the name of your profile in the field (for example osf1).
   
5. Select the Profile menu again.
   
6. Select Edit Profiles.
   
7. Select the tab labeled Connection.
   
8. Enter osf1 (or mason) in the field labeled Host name.
   
9. Enter your username in the field labeled User name.
   
10. Leave all other tabs and fields to default settings.
    

Back to Frontpage

Last Revised: March 22, 2007