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PuTTY -- Old SSH Client for Windows

Note

With Windows Terminal, as well as OpenSSH capabilities in both cmd.exe and PowerShell, as well as many IDE's providing terminal or consoles within them, how useful PuTTY is anymore is highly debateable. It's probably good to know how to connect with it, and we cover some tricks that make it easier to use, but we highly recommend looking at some of other SSH and SCP options you have at the link below.

PuTTY Video Instructions

PuTTY Written Instructions

PuTTY is the recommended SSH client for Windows.

An SSH client lets you remotely access a machine (server or computer) via a command-line prompt or terminal-like window.

Accessing a Remote Machine/Host/Server

  1. Download and install PuTTY from the link below.
    https://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
    Use the 32-bit "MSI ('Windows Installer')" link
    You can use the 64-bit "MSI ('Windows Installer')" link if you know for sure that your computer is a 64-bit computer.
                PuTTY - download link.png
  2. Open the PuTTY application.
    Not the installer file.

  3. Enter the "Remote Computer" Host Name in the "Host Name (or IP address)" text box.
    And click "Open."
    putty config 1 - type in host name for tux - click save

  4. Skip this step if you already saved your session or host name for later use.

    If you are going to keep using the same "Host Name (or IP address)":

    here's how to save it for later.
    Enter the "Remote Computer" Host name in the "Host Name (or IP address)" text box.
    Enter the "Remote Computer" Host name (or a word or phrase if you wish) in the "Saved Sessions" text box.
    Click "Save."
    putty config 1b - type in tux host in saved session - cick Save

  5. Here's how to re-use your "Saved Session" or host name from step #4.
    Click the Session name in the large white box under "Saved Sessions."
    Click "Load."
    Click "Open."
    putty config 2a - click tux in saved sessions - click load

  6. (First connection only.) Click "Yes" in the "Security Alert" pop-up box.
    PuTTY - Click Yes in Security Alert box - first time only.png

  7. Login with your userid and password.
    Tux users! You PROBABLY need to use your Drexel userid@drexel.edu and password.
    For example:
    login as: userid@drexel.edu
    ...or...
    login as: mjg88@drexel.edu

    When you type in your password, no dots or characters will appear!
    but press Enter/Return anyway, and you will be able to log in.

    You will then see a command line prompt under the Welcome and Documentation message.

    If you are using VCL, use the User Name and Password provided to you through VCL.

    2 EXAMPLE SCREENSHOTS SHOWN FOR LOGIN!

    Screenshot #1: For most current Tux users...
    PuttyTuxDoubleAtLogin

    Screenshot#2: Shows OLD method of just userid and password for old Tux users,
    and those accessing VCL or other hosts (like linux.cci.drexel.edu).    
    PuTTY - login and welcome msg and prompt.png


Putty Configuration

  1. Clicked "Window" on the right side of "Category"
    The default value of "Rows" is "24"
    The default value of  "Lines of scrollback" is "20000"
    putty config 4a - display taller window and scrollable output lines - change row and scrollback lines number

  2. Change the value of "Rows" to "36" 
    Change the value of  "Lines of scrollback" to "200000"
    putty config 4b - display taller window and scrollable output lines - change row and scrollback lines number

  3. Clicked "Selection" in the "Window" session
    putty config 5a - change right-click from paste to open content menu

    Choose "Windows(Middle extends, Right brings up menu)"
    putty config 5b - change right-click from paste to open content menu

  4. Clicked drop-down list of "{Ctrl,Shift} + Ins:" 
    Choose "System clipboard"
    putty config 6 - allow ctrl shift c and v to copy paste


Troubleshooting -- Windows 10 S Mode Preventing PuTTY Install

Getting an error like the screenshot below that says something like, "For security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs Microsoft-verified apps."
Windows 10 S Mode.png

Win 10 S mode only lets you install apps listed in the Microsoft Store app or website.

There are various apps outside of the Microsoft Store you'll need to install for one or more of your classes here at Drexel.

So follow the instructions below to turn off S mode for Windows 10.

You won't be able to switch back, but your computer is still very secure. And you'll need to download apps from outside the Microsoft Store for classes at Drexel.

Alternative Written Instructions

(Optional) See the following webpages for alternative and additional instructions for installing or using PuTTY.


CCI Support Site