OpenSSH for Absolute Beginners

In today's episode of Veronica Explains, I'm going to demonstrate the very basics of OpenSSH. We'll talk about the client, the server, key-based authentication, and creating a well constructed config file for managing your connections.
All music recorded by me, on Linux, of course!
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:47 Is OpenSSH installed?
03:45 Configuring the OpenSSH server
08:24 Connecting via SSH
10:18 Key-based authentication
19:33 SSH client config file
21:40 Outro
#OpenSSH #Server #Linux

[@jeffeberl12]

Your excitement about ssh-copy-id makes it obvious you remember a time before ssh-copy-id. We live in the future!

[@thomasstambaugh5181]

Some of is still don't know about it. I probably break it (unintentionally) when I set up new users on the machines I manage because I typically don't give them passwords at all. In my view EVERY password on any system is a honeypot for bad guys.

[@wombatdk]

I never use it, because none of our servers have password authentication enabled. And that breaks ssh-copy-id.

[@uwupaloma3387]

​@@wombatdkwhen you set first time server. is really useful

[@estigoyunli]

I followed your instruction and the result is this message Failed to enable unit:refusing to operate on alias name or link unit file: sshd service How can I resolve this issue.thank you

[@estigoyunli]

I am using debian in linux

[@mk553]

Thank you for close captioning your videos, and not just using the auto-generated ones. This means a lot to the deaf community!

[@VeronicaExplains]

It's my pleasure!

[@wombatdk]

Lovely introduction. I'd add one caveat: Whenever you edit the sshd_config file on a remote server... DO NOT disconnect until you verified that you can reconnect :) i.e.: - edit sshd_conf - restart sshd - DO NOT close your active connection - open a new terminal window on your local machine and connect to your server - if you broke ssh, use the still-open active connection to fix yer good ol' mistake :) Nothing sucks more than accidentally locking yourself - and possibly everyone else - out of the server.

[@Thiesi]

Since connections might drop - and will, according to Murphy, at the most inconvenient time -, I usually use another safety net for servers I have no other means of logging into: First, I create a backup of the working configuration. Then, I set up an _at_ job that restores the old configuration and restarts _sshd_ in maybe ten minutes. Finally, just to be extra sure I won't cut off my sole way of accessing the server, I also create a cronjob to restore the previously backed up configuration and restart _sshd_ every 15 minutes or so. For many years, the procedure described above has worked for me.

[@halfsourlizard9319]

@@Thiesi I've always yolo'ed it ... but that's a rather good idea!

[@dienvidbriedis1184]

@@Thiesi that is like reverse dead man's switch, nice!

[@Jonathang5730]

Great Advice! I've done this before, and it sucks!

[@AdamChalmers]

I've set up three SSH servers this year and I watch this video every time. Thanks for making a comprehensive guide!

[@VeronicaExplains]

I'm glad it's helpful!

[@Kabluey2011]

Your broken window background on the windows machine is priceless! Top tier comedy 🤣

[@2m4u]

I’ve been in into systems engineering for the last 15 years, and dammit, i can confirm, this Girl rocks! She clearly knows exactly the best practices and workarounds… another excellent video. I would appreciate to work with someone like you.

[@680x0]

Just loving your videos! I've been using Linux since the late 90's, so I know 90% of what you're covering, but I love learning the new bits, and how you present it is so entertaining. :-)

[@sazk4000]

i don't have anything to say but leaving a comment to help her out with the youtube algorithm coz her videos are informative

[@jbarr]

Packed with interesting stuff! I've been a causal Linux user for years, but I learned SO MUCH from this! Thank you!

[@bograham6221]

Would love to see a video on the history. I wish I'd found this channel when I was a newbie. I still appreciate the content for being comfy, and sometimes covering something I've missed.

[@alerey4363]

Subscribed because of the clean, direct explanations and the optimistic nerdy vibes.Keep up the good work 👏

[@Xander_92]

awesome video! I would love a more in depth SSH video and more about fail2ban and stuff. I also had no idea windows had an SSH server! Keep up the good work! A playlist for beginners would be awesome because you explain stuff very well!

[@mitchelldixon9156]

This was so very well explained. Thank you for taking time to go through the sections of each command. It really helps demystify what I'm looking at when you do that.

[@JFM1170]

Just found your video and I love it. I like how you explain everything most people who make videos always assume you know what their talking about and sometimes setup up and installs are trashed. I have been using Linux for many years but sometimes I still look like a beginner. Thank You.

[@ali57555]

I have searched many websites but none of them explained it this well. I couldn't help myself but thank you again for your time making this video

[@robgibons1986]

Wish I had this video to share with co-workers a few years ago (retired now) it was always "interesting" trying to explain ssh and shared keys. You make it all clear.

[@shiholololo1053]

The energy and explanation in this video are simply amazing! Clean and crystal clear explanation and subtle jokes to keep engagement. Please do a video for all those topics and group them into a playlist. Thanks for the knowledge! Edit: I subscribed

[@datadata6224]

I'm so very new to this Linuxland. And when I need some info video on certain topics about Linux, I'm happy to see your channel pop-up on my search. Totally enjoying this amazing content! Keep it up... thank you for your magnificent work!

[@blevenzon]

Awesome as always. Thank you Veronica

[@Eeyorc111]

I have always been confused by SSH as often the steps are given, but not the WHY. This video was so helpful. I have it all set up now. Thank you and keep up the great videos!!!

[@jrrtolkin]

You made it simple to understand. A great video, thanks.

[@dovedozen]

This is super clear about lots of stuff other explanations tend to expect you to already know / don't bother directly stating, & probably would have helped me out a ton when I was trying to learn gitolite AND ssh at the same time a little while ago, lol. Fantastic learning material; thank you!

[@RebeliousSapien]

Veronica .. you are a life savor. thank you for explaining things in a way my brain processes input. i always struggle with understanding things because of the way they are being explained.

[@frclayton]

Excellent!! Very nice presentation, good choice on content depth and outstandingly clear.

[@woody1593]

I've learnt more from this video than anyone has been able to teach me VMs now set to key only, thanks mate

[@pingupongu843]

Just wanted to thank you for this. Extremely helpful. You are an awesome presenter/teacher!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you! It means a lot to me!

[@ThatNateGuy]

I'm glad I came by to watch this. Thanks for this video, Veronica! I'd love to see you explore ssh more on Windows as well since that's my daily driver for work and play. Basically, anything you think is useful for ssh, I'll come watch! Gonna (probably) get a System76 laptop for my small business, though.

[@Appalling68]

You rock. This video was so helpful in helping me understand a little more about ssh. So glad I discovered your channel!

[@markharrisllb]

I’ve never heard SSD explained so clearly. Thank you.

[@fdestcroix]

Love the cadence of your lessons. Keep up the good work.

[@Jamastervibe]

I love your humor!!!! Intelligent, knowledgeable, and good for laughs. Thank you for sharing your brain with the world

[@russellwilliams2898]

Thanks! Watched this a dozen times while SSHing into my opened router! Because Linux is AWESOME, and so are you!

[@happysprollie]

I'd definitely like to see more about key management.

[@aranramirez1772]

As usual, excellent explanation. Very humble. Thanks

[@Shocker99]

Everyday is a school day. I can't believe managing ssh keys is so easy... I'm over here managing my ssh keys the hard way when it could be so easy. Thanks.

[@omarjohnson2450]

I am forever greatful for your content!!!

[@garrytuohy9267]

I like the hi-lighting of the relevant text, to make sure we were looking at the correct thing. I do love an historical review of anything technological ... telnet, etc.

[@tedburke525]

Highly informative 🙏

[@nuutti2957]

Thanks a bunch for this video, super helpful. You are a great presenter and obviously very knowledgeable on the topic.

[@contactrajpal]

Excellent way of explaining. Love it!. I have learned a lot from your video.

[@tomthumb2057]

Veronica, excellent content. I've been using ssh for some time but just fiddle not knowing why? Now I know the why, thank you...

[@franciscopichinte1796]

Woow! So clear and concise! Tnx a lot ❤ Best tutorial so far. Saludos desde El Salvador 🇸🇻 😎

[@btsr2553]

Hi Veronica, for this video you have earned my subscription. You are doing an excellent job. Better than me. This even the fact that I've been at it since the early 90's and now have over 30 years of experience on almost all operating systems. But you never stop learning. Also, you forget something again and there does a refresher quite good. All the things you don't do every day ... but you surely know that too. Your B-52's shirt looks good. Further, at 3:32 did I see the Flying Toasters? After Dark's Flying Toasters. That was the time where I gathered my experience. You asked about next topics: rsync, nfs, smb (cifs), vnc, rdp, rdesktop, X and so on. So I don't run out of topics at all. Keep up the good work. Stay safe. Servus from Bavaria

[@wiltsrm4093]

I just wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your videos - they're awesome! I've been interested in Linux and Unix for a long time, but I'm really only getting started with it properly now, and your videos are super helpful; thank you! I really like how you explain things in such an approachable and relaxed way. I'd love to learn more about the history of remote access tools, as it's something I find fascinating too (your video on the Wyse Terminal has got me searching on eBay…). Thanks again and keep doing what you're doing!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you for watching them! I hope they're helpful!

[@wiltsrm4093]

@@VeronicaExplains They really are! Thank you! 🙂

[@antoniodelatorre1846]

Thank you for this video, Veronica.

[@gearboxworks]

That was a really excellent, and very thorough tutorial. Thank you! Also, if you haven't already, covering ssh-agent and fail2ban in other videos would be great. Since you asked. 🙂

[@wingflanagan]

Love the shirt! _Wild Planet_ is an incredible album, and was my first exposure to the B-52's.

[@NetworkNinja111]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I'm learning so much about linux from you. I've been struggling trying to figure out how to just view an IP address, so I especially liked the bonus tip of using "hostname -I"

[@pwall]

The attention to detail and the little things on the linode screenshot was 10/10

[@VeronicaExplains]

I'm glad you caught it!

[@pctlc]

That was very informative, thanks for sharing!!

[@anub631]

Thank you so much Veronica!! Love your vids :) Sending greetings from Hungary

[@yychummer]

WOW just what I was looking for!!! thanks so much

[@dinosworkshop6870]

Thanx a lot Veronica. This helps a great deal !

[@potrosas8066]

Thank you so much, I needed a complete explanation of these topics directed for single-neuron ppl like me. Saved me probably hours of research since Im not very good at these things ❤

[@PaintmanJohn]

You are an SYS_ADMIN CLASSIC ! As a former CNE "dinasour" I met with a lot of network types over the years. I have a definite soft spot in my heart for QUICK WIT and SARCASM, which, CLEARLY, you have an abundance of... 😲 I believe we developed it over the course of "39 hour" days spent in 65 degree computer rooms chasing gremlins. I abandoned Novell many years ago and became enamoured with Linux. I too have very little use for Microsoft or Apple. I am STILL a computer junkie, and derive great pleasure from resurrecting olde systems and repurposing them for others. Something I encourage other geeks to do is resurrect old PCs and get them into the hands of young kids. Even if it is just playing games at first, it gets them comfortable with PC utilisation. It can lead them to learning many things. Oh, BTW, another Subscriber too !

[@abdelkadergnichi6643]

Thank u very much i wait for this video and i will keep waiting for each video u make

[@dhex8122]

So much fun and humor in this kind of nerdy content always makes my day! Congrats smart lady... I'm a new sub 4 your chanel!!!

[@oceanz55]

You are awesome! So glad I have found your channel!! :)

[@harrygenderson6847]

This was an incredible tutorial, far better than the information my university provides. For one thing, it's not focused at windows only. This + man pages told me all I needed to get set up.

[@ucantSQ]

🤩 wow, thanks. Good video. Well done. Everything I needed to know. 👍

[@pwall]

The "like your mother waiting for a phone call" was so good

[@justinalqaysi2426]

thank you for this awesome explanation .

[@cyberpunk7624]

OMG, finally a proper way to explain SSH without password login requirements for avoiding rainbow table attacks. Nature bless you!

[@BanduTheGreat]

Amazing, you made that look wicked easy.

[@kernelpanic5198]

Just discovered the channel after your post in the Fediverse. I don't learn much (but still do), and that's very pedagogical. Great explanation, good rhythm, good advices... I'll recommend to my tech colleagues and some friends! I still need to find a French equivalent channel for my mum... xD

[@henokhsatrio8804]

I work in IT field in a small healthcare company, but I'm not a good one. But I love your channel and learn a lot. It's weird to say this but your channel is like the first The Sims game or Sim City 2000. It reminds me of good old days of computer. Love and support from a small town in Indonesia 🙏

[@penchanter6194]

I am glad your videos are here on youtube! THANK YOU!! I finally was able to remote desktop from win10home to pop!_os but had to use NoMachine and now trying to use it to connect via ssh but am stumbling. I am hoping to use your walkthrough here to figure out just how to do that. :) Also, you mention "keychains"... I will have to look that up!

[@mattmguitar]

Fantastic videos, very easy to follow, and hilarious! I'm really enjoying the quirky and goodnaturedly-snarky humor; your writing style has a similar vibe to Technology Connections.

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you! His videos are certainly an inspiration.

[@domenicoragosta2690]

Super Veronica! Very clear and useful...thx

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@garrettkelly5690]

What a great video! I would love to see one about drive encryption, as mentioned here.

[@aquinamedia4508]

Great tutorial, spinning up my first Proxmox homelab today, many thanks Mrs! 😊

[@ricardomardi]

Hi Veronica, you're very funny in the nicest of ways...thank you for all your presentations! Excellent material. Hugs from Buenos Aires.

[@LacerdaJPF]

Thank you Veronica.. Great video! Well explained. Regards

[@johncenaversusthings8452]

it's finally here!

[@Shayah-01]

This is a good channel and fun to watch

[@bjen2005]

@Veronica Explains - You just earned a new subscriber because of this video. Thank You !!!!

[@Jamelivision]

Yes, please, to a video on the history of remote tools. 😊

[@RobertoDeMontecarlo]

I've follow your video and realized an ssh connection between my Win/Mac/Linux machines... Thanks Veronica!

[@ShadowD71]

Hi Veronica, that's a great tutorial about ssh config. I thank you so much for this explanation. Greetz out of cold Germany

[@anarchy_79]

Hi Veronica! Thanks Veronica!

[@hristos0]

this is very well explained

[@capcolorguard3408]

Loved the simplied SSH class, I had all of this in a college class but the professor bored me to death. Keep up the great videos!

[@waxingchandler3895]

Nice video. I've been using ssh for 20+years. Love the shirt. Saw the B-52's back in the early 90's!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Fantastic! One of my favorite bands!

[@ali57555]

Great work, thank you.

[@Tom-n5tti]

Thanks for these amazing videos, would like to see one on loading the key+passphrase into an ssh agent

[@lillywho]

I know how SSH works, but since I want to see your channel climb the charts, have an engagement comment!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you!! I appreciate the comment and/or feedback and will use it to improve and/or grow the channel.

[@lillywho]

@@VeronicaExplains Yah what we're doing is totally not gaming the algorithm or something.

[@wolfiedgr8t]

Great video V. Thanks 👍

[@catreunion]

Thank you so much Veronica 🙏🏻

[@maxkalinin2246]

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful for me;)

[@proggenius2024]

wow what an intro! subscribed just for that...cool!

[@mehregankbi]

I had used ssh to connect to servers a lot but this was so helpful since I did not know about key generation procedures and things that need to be done on the server. If you don't have a server, you can use your Linux system as both client and server for practicing with ssh. you just need to install the ssh service as she mentioned. then get the IP and connect as she mentioned. and you're in a terminal inside another terminal. you can hit ctrl D to exit the SSH connection. since this is in your local network (and not through the internet), and generally port forwarding on home internet connections is disabled by default, you don't have to worry about being attacked since any device on that network cannot be accessed by others from the internet. you could enable port forwarding so internet requests go through, then enter your external IP to connect to your pc. so you can connect to your pc with your pc through the internet. you shouldn't do this (unless you want to) LOL

[@JonitoFischer]

Great video, thank you!

[@purplecatty]

Thankyou Veronica! I truly enjoyed your video and I am just a noob on SSH part while I'm almost expert on Linux. Glad that you made this really clear on SSH part. I followed your instruction and managed to install and setup and manage SSH. I did on both of MX Linux systems. The only thing when I first checked "sudo systemctl status sshd", ended up missing systemd. I figured quickly that boot is not set to Server so I navigate to MX Boot and change "boot to" MXxxxxxxxxamd64 (systemd). Then rebooted and went back to terminal, Bingo it's up and running.. At first, I couldn't get it connected to local computer and googled, found out I forgot to fix firewall to allow ssh thru terminal. Bingo got connected afterward. Thankyou and good job!😁👍 (I subscribed you 😁)

[@Said-df5uc]

Thank you so much for your excellent videos

[@andrewpalm2103]

Great content, great B-52's shirt. What's not to love?

[@RonaldoLuizPedroso]

Great tutorial ❤

[@Getoverhere666]

I have an unexpected urge to rewatch police academy rn. Thank you for the video!

[@KetaCreek]

Thanks for another fun and informative video. As a network engineer I have been using ssh on a daily basis for years an I still had a great time learning a few new tricks. I would like to request a video covering ssh-agent also have you ever thought about making a video on rsynch? . I think that would be really interesting. Ooh one other thing that is really fun with SSH is ssh tunneling! That would probably be a fun video too. Keep on rockin' in the geek world!! :- ) C=

[@holgerst3655]

Thanks for this great video. I really ĺike the way of presentation. It is interesting and entertaining.

[@neverping]

What I really like watching videos or reading materials that says "something for absolute beginners" is that I always learn something new. I never knew that was a tool for copying SSH keys. Usually I was editing the authorize_keys file in order to 'upload my public key'.

[@wombatdk]

To be fair, you usually have to edit the file because most servers won't allow you to use the copy command - it won't work when password auth is disabled.