How to use SSH for OS X Users

To connect to Linux servers like pyrite and popeye, you need to use an SSH client. For Windows users, we recommend the third-party program PuTTY. For OS X users, we recommend running the built-in SSH client from Terminal. This tutorial covers how to access this application.

First, open Terminal:

  1. Open Finder (on the dock), which should cause the window below to pop up.
  2. Click on Applications on the side bar
  3. Open the Utilities folder, and then find the Terminal application 

Next, type "ssh" followed by the server address:

Note: If your local username is different from your Iowa State Net ID (your Net ID is the first part of your ISU email address: netid@iastate.edu), then you should preface the server address with your ISU Net ID.

For example, to connect to pyrite.cs.iastate.edu as "coms_guest", you would type "ssh coms_guest@pyrite.cs.iastate.edu" and press enter.

The first time you log in to a server, a  message will appear saying “The authenticity of [server name] can’t be established. Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)?” Type yes and press enter.

Next, you should be prompted to type in your NetID password. This is the same password you use for CyMail and Blackboard. Type it and press enter. (You may not see any characters or asterisks. This is a security precaution. Just type your password.)

You should now be connected to pyrite. When done working, please close your connection by typing "exit" in the terminal.

Saving the remote connection

To save time in the future, you can save the remote connection details in Terminal. To do so:

1. Select "Shell" from the Terminal menu bar, and click on "New Remote Connection..." from the drop-down menu.

2. Press the "+" button under the Server Column on the pop-up window.

3. Type in the host server name in the dialog box that pops up.

4. Type in your netID in the field indicated below, and press "Connect".