How to Get/Install/Use the Secure Shell (including Secure FTP)
SSH Secure Shell (which includes Secure FTP) 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. If you still need Telnet and FTP, please see the ITU Support Website for download, installation, and configuration information (http://itusupport.gmu.edu/downloads/wsftp.asp).
Get Secure Shell
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Point your browser to http://itusupport.gmu.edu/ and click on "Downloads."
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Select Secure Shell from the list.
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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.
Install Secure Shell
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Double click on icon labeled "SSH."
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The Install Shield Wizard dialog box opens, click Next.
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In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, read the License Agreement and then click Yes.
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In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select the default Destination Folder by clicking Next.
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In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select the default Program Folder by clicking Next.
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In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, select all four components for installation by clicking Next.
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In the subsequent Install Shield Wizard dialog box, to complete installation click Finish.
Use Secure Shell
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Double-click the SSH Secure Shell Client desktop icon (or from the Start menu, select Programs, then select SSH Secure Shell).
When the SSH Secure Shell dialog box appears, press ENTER.
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When the SSH Secure Shell dialog box appears, press <ENTER>.
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In the Connect to Remote Host dialog box type the following:
* In the Host Name field, type mason.gmu.edu
* In the User Name field, type your Mason username.
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Click Connect.
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If the Host Identification dialog box appears, click Yes. (Note: This dialog box will only appear if you have never logged into mason.gmu.edu before).
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In the Enter Password dialog box, type your Mason password.
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Click OK.
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In the next dialog box, you should see the Mason prompt (mason.gmu.edu) and can now work with your account.
End Secure Shell session
To end your Secure Shell session:
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At the Mason server's prompt, type logout and press the <ENTER> key. You are now logged out from the Mason server.
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Quit the Secure Shell program.
Use Secure FTP
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Open SSH Secure Shell.
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Select the icon on the menu bar labeled Profiles.
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Select Add Profile from the list.
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Type the name of your profile in the field (for example mason).
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Select the Profile menu again.
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Select Edit Profiles.
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Select the tab labeled Connection.
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Enter mason in the field labeled Host name.
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Enter your username in the field labeled User name.
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Leave all other tabs and fields to default settings.
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Click on OK.
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Select the Profile menu again, select your profile mason from the list.
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If the Host Identification dialog box appears, click Yes.
(Note: This dialog box will only appear if you have never logged into mason.gmu.edu before).
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Click OK on Message from the server window.
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In the Enter Password dialog box, type your Mason password.
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You will get a split screen. The left side shows files that are on the PC you are working on (Local Name); the right side shows files that are in your Mason account in your home directory (Remote Name).
Upload
Files from Hard Drive to Mason
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Highlight the file in Local Name column that you want to transfer, then drag and drop it in the Remote Name column.
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The file will now show up on the list on the right (the list of files in your Mason account).
Download Files from Mason to a Hard Drive
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Highlight the file in Remote Name column that you want to transfer, then drag and drop it in the Local Name column.
The file will now show up on the list on the left.
Last Revised: February 13, 2009
