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Connecting via OpenSSH

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Here we will look at connecting to a virtual machine or server with Linux-based operating system via SSH protocol using the OpenSSH program set, which makes it possible to communicate without using the web interfaces of the Peerobyte website. You will learn how to install and configure SSH-client and SSH-server, create a key pair and copy the public key to the server, establish a connection and transfer files. Also covered will be working with the key manager and possible cases you may encounter when using OpenSSH.

The SSH (Secure Shell) is an application layer protocol designed for secure remote control of operating systems. It encrypts all traffic, including transmitted passwords, providing a high level of data transmission security even in insecure network environments. SSH also allows secure file transfers.

The SSH protocol is the basis of OpenSSH, which has a client-server architecture, where systems are divided into clients that send control requests and servers that process them. For example, an OpenSSH client could be an administrator's laptop and the server a virtual machine or dedicated server. Connection between client and server via SSH provides high security, making OpenSSH one of the preferred methods of remote access.

Use these instructions to quickly get started with OpenSSH:

  1. Linux: Quick Start with OpenSSH.
  2. PowerShell: Quick Start with OpenSSH.

The Quick Start instructions briefly summarize how to manage a Linux-based server using a concrete example. Detailed instructions for each aspect of OpenSSH are provided below.

The general order of your steps to set up an OpenSSH connection will be as follows:

  1. Install the SSH server on the managed system by following the instructions in "Installing OpenSSH Server".
  2. Create a new user on the server system for SSH connection by following the instructions in "Creating New User".
  3. Install the SSH client on the management device by following the instructions in "Installing OpenSSH Client".
  4. Generate a key pair for secure connection by following the instructions in "Creating Key Pair".
  5. Copy the public key to the managed server or virtual machine by following the instructions in "Copying Public Key".
  6. Connect to the managed system using the SSH client with the private key by following the instructions in "Connecting to Server via OpenSSH".

Some steps may be skipped, such as if SSH tools are already installed on your system or if you already have a key pair.

For detailed information on the functionality and syntax of each of the commands in the OpenSSH package, please refer to the "OpenSSH: Manual Pages".

More about working with OpenSSH