Articles on: Troubleshooting

SSH: What is it and how to use it


SSH: What It Is and How to Use It


SSH, or "Secure Shell", is a way to safely connect to another computer over the internet. It’s often used to control or manage a device (like a 3D printer or Raspberry Pi) without needing to be right next to it. Think of it as a remote control for computers.


With SSH, you can:

  • Send commands to another computer
  • Access files
  • Troubleshoot issues


In this guide, we’ll show you how to use SSH on Windows, Mac, and Linux.


📌 What You Need Before You Start

  1. IP Address: The network address of the device you want to connect to.
  • Remember: The IP must not include http(...), slashes, or anything extra. Just the numbers, like 192.168.1.100.
  1. Username and Password: Credentials for the device (e.g., the default for many 3D printers and Raspberry Pi is pi and raspberry).
  2. SSH Client: A program that lets you connect using SSH. Options include:
  • PuTTY (for Windows)
  • Terminal (built into Mac and Linux)
  • OpenSSH (available on all platforms)


🪟 Windows: Using PuTTY


  1. Download PuTTY
  • Go to https://www.putty.org
  • Click on "Download PuTTY" and choose the version that matches your Windows (usually the 64-bit version).


  1. Install and Open PuTTY
  • Run the installer and follow the instructions.
  • Open PuTTY from the Start Menu.


  1. Connect to Your Device
  • In the Host Name field, type your device's IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.100).
    • Important: Do not include http:// or any slashes. Only the IP address.
  • Make sure Port is set to 22 and Connection type is set to SSH.
  • Click Open.


  1. Pop-Ups and Warnings
  • The first time you connect, you might see a warning about connecting to an unknown host. This is normal.
    • Click Yes to continue.


  1. Login
  • A black window will appear asking for your username. Type it and press Enter.
  • Next, type your password (you won’t see the characters as you type – this is normal).
  • Press Enter. You should now be connected!


🍏 Mac: Using Terminal


  1. Open Terminal
  • Press Command + Space and type Terminal, then hit Enter.


  1. Connect Using SSH
  • In Terminal, type:

ssh username@IP_Address

Example:

ssh pi@192.168.1.100
  • Press Enter.


  1. Pop-Ups and Warnings
  • The first time you connect, you might see a warning about the authenticity of the host. This is normal.
    • Type yes and press Enter to continue.


  1. Login
  • Enter your password and press Enter.
  • You’re now connected!


🐧 Linux: Using Terminal


On Linux, SSH is built into the Terminal, just like on Mac.


  1. Open Terminal
  • You can usually find it in your applications menu or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.


  1. Connect Using SSH
  • In Terminal, type:

ssh username@IP_Address

Example:

ssh pi@192.168.1.100
  • Press Enter.


  1. Pop-Ups and Warnings
  • The first time you connect, you might see a warning about the authenticity of the host. This is normal.
    • Type yes and press Enter to continue.


  1. Login
  • Enter your password and press Enter.
  • You’re now connected!


🔧 Troubleshooting Tips

  • Connection Refused: Make sure SSH is enabled on the device you’re trying to connect to.
  • Wrong Password: Double-check your username and password. Remember, passwords are case-sensitive!
  • No Response: Ensure the device is powered on and connected to the same network.


💡 Extra Tips

  • Want to avoid entering your password every time? Look into SSH keys for password-less login (advanced users).
  • Need help finding your device’s IP address? Check your router settings or use a network scanning tool like Angry IP Scanner.



Got questions or need help? Reach out to our support team, and we’ll be glad to assist you!


Happy connecting! 🚀

Updated on: 28/02/2025

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