Remote Connections in Windows

🔐 SSH (Secure Shell)

SSH is a network protocol designed in the 1990s to provide secure remote access over an unsecured network. It enables users to:

  • Remotely access and control SSH-enabled systems.

  • Securely transfer files and execute commands.

  • Manage network infrastructure safely from a distance.

🧑‍💻 OpenSSH:

OpenSSH is an open-source version of SSH used primarily for cross-platform remote management (Linux, Windows, etc.). Starting from 2018, OpenSSH is available on Windows Server and Windows client operating systems.


⚙️ Common SSH Clients for Windows

There are several Windows-compatible SSH clients that offer a variety of features and protocols, catering to different needs. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:

1. 🖥️ PuTTY

  • Features: A terminal emulator offering SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and raw socket connections. It also supports SFTP and SCP for secure file transfers.

  • Protocols: SSH, SCP, Telnet, Rlogin, Raw Socket Connections.

2. 💻 SecureCRT

  • Features: Provides terminal emulation and file transfers through an SSH tunnel. Includes usability features like tabbed sessions and customizable menus.

  • Protocols: SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, Telnet/SSL.

3. 🌟 SmarTTY

  • Features: A free SSH client with a multi-tabbed interface for multiple simultaneous connections. Includes SCP capabilities, auto-completion, a file panel, and package management.

  • Protocols: SSH, SCP.

4. 🖥️ mRemoteNG

  • Features: A tabbed interface supporting multiple connections simultaneously. Supports various protocols, including RDP, VNC, and SSH.

  • Protocols: RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, HTTP/HTTPS, Rlogin, Raw Socket Connections, PowerShell Remoting.

5. 🌐 MobaXterm

  • Features: Built for Unix, Linux, and Windows, MobaXterm includes an embedded X server, X11 forwarding, and easy display exportation for running graphical applications remotely.

  • Protocols: SSH, X11, RDP, VNC.


🎯 Key Takeaways

  • SSH is essential for secure remote connections between two machines over an unsecured network.

  • SSH allows for remote control, file transfer, and network management.

  • OpenSSH is an open-source option available across different platforms.

  • Several SSH clients are available for Windows with diverse features, such as PuTTY, SecureCRT, SmarTTY, mRemoteNG, and MobaXterm, each catering to different remote access needs.


📚 Resources

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