1. Getting Started

1.1. Introduction

This guide to the SSH client assumes that you are using a Windows machine, that you already have an activated Oxford Account, and that you have enabled your web space. Our instructions will guide you through the process of connecting to the GNU/Linux Service through which you can access your user web space securely.

1.2. Obtaining and InstallingSSH Client

The first thing to do is obtain the SSH Client software from the OUCS registration system. Click on the link below to sign-in to registration:

https://register.it.ox.ac.uk/self/software

Once you have signed in you will be taken to the software downloads page. From the list choose SSH Client for Windows and press the submit button. From the next page click the SSH Client for Windows (v3.2.5) and the download will begin.

Next click on the downloaded file to begin installation.

  • The Welcome screen will appear:
    Opening Welcome screen

    Click on the Next button.

  • The Licence Agreement screen appears. Click on the Next button.
    Licence screen
  • Next the Choose Destination Location screen opens. Check that the path given is where you want to install the program. Alter accordingly if necessary, otherwise click on the Next button to continue.
    Choose where to install program screen
  • Next the Select Program Folder screen appears. Either accept the default provided or choose a different folder for the program to be listed in. Click on the Next button to continue.
    Program Folder screen
  • Choose which components you want to include in the installation. Then click on the Next button.
    Components screen
  • Finally the Check Setup Information screen shows which components you have chosen to install and where this will be put on your machine. If you want to adjust anything click on the Back button to make changes. If you are happy with your choices press the Next button.
    Check information screen
  • The program is now installed onto your machine.
    Installing program screen
  • Once installation is complete you will see the following screen.
    Program Folder screen

    Click on the Finish button to exit setup.

2. Using SSH Secure File Transfer Program

Once the installation of the program is complete you can open the program and begin to use it. To open the program either click on the program icon on your desktop or find the program in your file programs list ([Start] > [All Programs] > [SSH Secure Shell] > [Secure File Transfer Client ]) The interface is similar to other File Transfer Program (FTP) Clients.

Interface of SSH Secure File Transfer Client

2.1. Accessing your web space

To access your users' web space (filestore) you first need to make a secure connection to your GNU/Linux home folder:

  • Start the program
  • Click on the Quick Connect button. You will now see a Connect to Remote Host box.
    Connect to remote host box
    Add the following:
    1. Host Name: linux.ox.ac.uk
    2. Username: Your Oxford Account Username e.g.oucs1234
    3. Authentication Method: Select [Password]
  • Click the Connect button. A Password box will appear. Type in your Oxford Account Password here. Click the OK button.
  • The left-hand panel shows your local files (on your own computer), the right-hand panel shows the contents of your home folder on the GNU/Linux server.
    Screen shot of interface when connected to your account

2.2. Creating shortcuts to your web space

Your web space can be reached by the cgi and public_html shortcuts found in your home folder. If you don't see them in the right-hand panel, you can create them as follows:

  • Click on the terminal button in the [main menu]
    terminal button location
  • A terminal screen will appear.
    Terminal screen
  • You will now see a new connection being established.
  • At the $ prompt sign type in makeweblinks and press <Enter> on your keyboard.
  • The terminal window will confirm that the links have been established.
  • Next type Exit and press <Enter> on your keyboard to close the connection. Click the red cross to shut the terminal window.
  • On returning to your SSH Client, you should now see two new shortcuts in your home folder; cgi and public_html. You will not need to repeat this process again them unless you delete them.
    Links established to web store files

2.3. Transfering Files to your web space

Once you are connected to home folder it is easy to drag and drop files from your computer into your web space:

  • Click on the public_html link to your home folder
  • You will now see your web space files and folders
  • Using the left hand panel, navigate to the files or folders you wish to transfer from your machine
  • Select your chosen files and drag them over to the appropriate folder in the right hand panel and release
  • The files and/or folders will now be transfered to your web space securely.

2.4. Make a Profile

For quick access to your home folder, you should make a Profile. Click on the Profiles button to open a Profiles dialogue box.

Type in OUCS Linux Service and click the Add to Profiles button. Next time that you need to log into your home folder, click on the Profiles button and select the [OUCS Linux Service] profile. Enter your Oxford Account password in the Password dialogue box and click OK. You will then be logged into your account.