How to Access SSH from Ubuntu Terminal?

SSH (Secure Shell) is a powerful protocol that allows secure access to remote systems over a network. If you're using Ubuntu, the terminal provides a straightforward way to connect to remote servers using SSH. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of accessing SSH from the Ubuntu Terminal, ensuring a secure and efficient connection to remote machines.

Getting Started with SSH:

Before diving into the steps, make sure you have the following:

1. A remote server with SSH enabled.
2. The IP address or domain name of the remote server.
3. A user account on the remote server with SSH access.

Opening the Terminal:

The first step is to open the Ubuntu Terminal. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T or searching for "Terminal" in the application menu.

Using the SSH Command:

To initiate an SSH connection, use the following command in the Terminal:

ssh username@remote_server_ip

Replace username with your actual username and remote_server_ip with the IP address or domain name of your remote server. Press Enter after entering the command.

Authenticating with Password:

If this is your first time connecting to the remote server, you'll be prompted to enter the password for the specified user. Type the password and press Enter. Note that when entering the password, no characters will be displayed on the screen for security reasons.

Authenticating with SSH Keys:

For enhanced security, consider using SSH keys. Generate an SSH key pair on your local machine using the following command:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 2048

Follow the prompts to generate the key pair. Afterward, copy the public key to the remote server with the following command:

ssh-copy-id username@remote_server_ip

Now, you can log in without entering a password.

Customizing SSH Options:

You can customize your SSH connection by adding options to the command. For example, to specify a different port, use the -p option:

ssh -p 2222 username@remote_server_ip

Closing the SSH Connection:

Once you've completed your tasks on the remote server, you can close the SSH connection by typing:

exit