Unix Shell (telnet and SSH) Access

This answer is customized for cohousing.org. (change domain name)

This page is intended for technically advanced users. It describes how you can connect to the command-line Unix shell for your account.

The Unix shell, or "bash shell", gives you direct access to the Linux operating system of our servers. While most of our customers will never need to use the shell, advanced customers may need it to compile and install CGI scripts, manipulate databases, etc.

If you need shell access, we assume you basically know what you're doing. Use of the shell is a topic that could (and does) fill many books; however, many sites on the Internet offer tutorials that cover some of the basics, such as LinuxCommand.org.

Keep in mind that the Unix shell is very powerful. If you're not careful, it's easy to damage your Web site or e-mail. Although we can usually restore your files if you make a mistake, we can't guarantee that we will always be able to do so (particularly if the file has been changed in the previous few hours), and we do charge a fee to retrieve files from backups if you accidentally delete or damage them repeatedly.

On this page:

Getting the software you need

To access the shell for your account, you will need to use a program on your own computer that provides SSH or telnet access. SSH and telnet are two different ways of connecting to the shell, although SSH is more secure. If you have a choice, choose a program that provides SSH access.

If you're looking for software, a free Windows SSH program called PuTTY is extremely popular, and it includes a comprehensive guide that explains how to use it.

Similar SSH programs are available for other operating systems (and are even built-in to some operating systems, such as Mac OS X). An Internet search for the words "SSH" and the name of your operating system should show you many choices.

Making an SSH connection

If you're using PuTTY, use these settings:

Host name:cohousing.org
Login as:cohousing.org

If you're using a "command line program" instead of PuTTY (such as the command line built into Mac OS X terminal or Unix), you can type this to start an SSH connection: 

ssh cohousing.org@cohousing.org

Making a telnet connection

If you don't have access to an SSH program, you can use any program that provides telnet access (often called a telnet client).

Microsoft Windows includes a basic telnet client. Here's how to use it:

1. Enable telnet (Windows Vista, Windows 7)

Telnet is not installed by default on Windows Vista or Windows 7, so you may need to install it. You can skip this step if you use Windows XP or Mac OS X.

  • Click the Windows Start button, then choose Control Panel.
  • Choose Programs (this may be called Programs and Features).
  • Choose Turn Windows features on or off.
  • Check the Telnet Client checkbox.
  • Click OK, then finish the installation.

2. Open a command window.

Click the Start button, then choose All Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt, which will open a new window with a black background.

3. Type a "telnet" command.

Once the command window is open, type this text and press "Enter": 

telnet cohousing.org

When you're connected, telnet will ask you for your "login" (username) and password:

login:cohousing.org (all lowercase)
Password:your main account password for cohousing.org

More details about connection settings

No matter what program you use, you really just need to know three things to connect to the shell. They are:

Server name or hostname:cohousing.org
Login username:cohousing.org (all lowercase)
Password:your main account password for cohousing.org

It's correct for the server name and the username to be the same.

If your program asks for the port number, our servers use the standard SSH port 22 and the standard telnet port 23.

An SSH program may display the server key "fingerprint" so you can verify you've connected to the correct server. The fingerprint should be:

7d:68:2c:d2:5d:98:1a:ec:6f:bd:f9:dc:fa:1f:77:51

If a different key is displayed, you should not establish the connection. Contact us to let us know that you are seeing a different key fingerprint.

Shell access policy

We provide shell access to our customers so that advanced users can easily configure their Web sites and send and receive e-mail. Other uses of the servers, such as running background programs like IRC Bots, "eggdrops", or SETI@home, are not allowed.

Please contact us if you have any questions.