Purpose
SSH allows a secure connection to remote servers and provides you with a command-line interface at that server. These are the instructions on establishing an SSH connection with the giant server from a Windows computer.
Note: Giant cannot be accessed outside the university network. To connect to Giant from any other network, you must first connect to the VPN. Click here to find instructions for connecting to
UTD VPN in the Network section.
Installing SSH Application (PuTTY)
- Open PuTTY and download the appropriate version of PuTTY on your computer.
- The device will ask if you want to allow PuTTY Installer to make changes to your device. Click Yes.
- To launch PuTTY, search PuTTY on your windows search bar and double click.
Connecting to Giant Using PuTTY
- Launch an SSH client (e.g. PuTTY).
Note: To connect to a different server, replace Giant in the instructions below with the server's name to which you want to connect.
- Enter giant.utdallas.edu as the Host Name and ensure the SSH bubble is selected for "Connection type".
- Choose Open.
- If you get a message about the host key, select Yes.
- Enter your NetID and Password when prompted.
Note: It will not display that your password is being entered, but your keystrokes will be tracked.
- Next, Authenticate your sign-in attempt with Duo.
- You should now be connected to Giant.
Connecting to SSH Using Windows PowerShell
The easiest way to use SSH is through PowerShell on Windows systems, instead of installing PuTTY. If you keep your Windows up to date, you should have SSH enabled by default. Please follow the instructions below to use PowerShell for SSH.
- Locate the Windows search bar and type Manage optional features in System settings.
- Click on the plus sign next to Add a feature.
- On the search bar, type Open SSH Client and Install it.
- Before we move forward, go back to installed features and make sure the Open SSH client is installed.
- On the windows search bar, enter PowerShell and open the Windows PowerShell App.
- Type ssh <NetID>@PubSSH.utdallas.edu and press Enter.
- Input your password when prompted.
Note: It will not display your password while it is being entered, but your keystrokes will be tracked.
- Next, Authenticate your sign-in attempt with Duo.
- Write Exit and press Enter.
- Close the window once you are done.