How to Replace Telnet With SSH

SSH allows Telnet-like commuications with enhanced security.

Telnet is an Internet protocol that allows you to connect to a remote server and access information such as email and files. Likewise, SSH -- or secure shell -- is a protocol that provides remote connections from one computer to another across a network. However, SSH does so by using encrypted communication. Both protocols are command line, text-based tools that do not use graphics. SSH makes an ideal replacement to Telnet, because your data is protected from "sniffers" used to detect your transmissions. Fortunately, an SSH connection is invoked from the same client you use for Telnet.

Instructions

1. Open your Telnet client such as Terminal on an Apple computer, or open PuTTY or WinSCP on a Windows computer. Double-click on the application you use for Telnet, but do not start a Telnet session.

2. Type "ssh [e-mail]" to begin the SSH session, where "user" is your account ID and "domain.com" is your URL or the IP address of the remote server you are trying to reach.

3. Press "Enter." If this is the first time you are connecting using SSH, you must authenticate the session's security keys. Keys help prevent fake domains from passing as your own. Ensure that your domain name and IP address are correct, and then type "yes."

4. Type in your password, and then press "Enter." You are now connected with SSH.

References

• Telnet.org: FAQ
• WinSCP: Understanding SSH
• Telnet/SSH and the command line
• Linux Certified: Using SSH over Telnet
• Digital Daze: Using Telnet and SSH