PuTTY is a popular, open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. It allows users to connect to remote computers and servers through a variety of protocols, including SSH, Telnet, and rlogin. In this article, we will discuss what PuTTY is, its features, and how to use it.
What is PuTTY?
PuTTY is a free and open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. It was originally developed by Simon Tatham in 1999 and has since become one of the most popular terminal emulators for Windows. PuTTY supports a variety of protocols, including SSH, Telnet, and rlogin, and can be used to connect to remote computers and servers.
Features of PuTTY
SSH support: PuTTY is primarily known for its SSH support, which allows users to securely connect to remote computers and servers over the internet.
Telnet and rlogin support: In addition to SSH, PuTTY also supports Telnet and rlogin, which can be used to connect to remote computers and servers over a network.
Terminal emulation: PuTTY also includes a terminal emulator, which allows users to interact with remote computers and servers through a command-line interface.
Session management: PuTTY allows users to save and load sessions, making it easy to connect to frequently used servers.
Copy and paste: PuTTY includes support for copying and pasting text between the local computer and the remote server.
Tunneling: PuTTY also allows users to create secure tunnels, which can be used to securely forward network traffic.
How to Use PuTTY
Using PuTTY is relatively straightforward. Here is a basic guide on how to use PuTTY to connect to a remote server over SSH:
Download and install PuTTY from the official website.
Open PuTTY and enter the hostname or IP address of the remote server you wish to connect to in the “Host Name (or IP address)” field.
Select “SSH” from the “Connection type” menu.
Click the “Open” button to initiate the connection.
A terminal window will open, and you will be prompted to enter your username and password for the remote server.
Once you have entered your credentials, you will be logged in to the remote server and will be able to interact with it through the command-line interface.
To save this session for later use, you can go to “Session” under “File” menu, and then click “Save” button.
In addition to connecting to remote servers over SSH, PuTTY can also be used to connect to remote computers and servers over Telnet and rlogin, as well as to create secure tunnels. The interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for users of all skill levels to use.
In conclusion, PuTTY is a powerful and versatile terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. It supports a variety of protocols and includes a variety of features, making it a great choice for connecting to remote computers and servers. With its simple interface and session management feature, it is easy for even novice users to use.