Windows users can connect to Strelka using either PuTTY or MobaXterm. Connecting to Strelka requires a public/private key pair instead of a password. Follow the instructions below to install either package, set up a key pair, and connect to Strelka.
PuTTY
PuTTY is a basic yet flexible program regularly used to interact with remote systems. Download PuTTY and install.
Setting up a key pair
Start the PuTTYgen program
- Under Parameters → Number of bits in a generated key → enter "2048" (don't include the quotes)
- Under Actions → Generate a public/private key pair → Click the "Generate" button
- Follow the instructions
- Under Actions → Save the generated key → Click "Save private key"
- Save private key file in a folder of your choosing. Set filename to: "id_rsa.ppk"
- Copy the contents of the "Public key for Pasting into OpenSSH authorized_keys file" text box
- Go to the Strelka Account Request page and paste the public key text into the box provided.
It may take a few days to create your Strelka account.
Configuring PuTTY
Start the PuTTY program and configure as follows:
- Session → Hostname → Enter "strelka.swarthmore.edu" (don't include the quotes)
- Session → Connection type → check "SSH"
- Connection → Data → Auto-login username → Enter your Swarthmore username. Usernames are case sensitive, so use all lowercase letters.
- Connection → SSH → Auth → select the "id_rsa.ppk" file created in the section above.
- Session → Saved sessions → enter "Strelka" in the text box and click "Save"
The configuration only needs to be done once. In the future, the configuring can be loaded by starting PuTTY, selecting Session → Saved sessions, selecting "Strelka" and clicking "Load"
Connecting to Strelka
Connect to Strelka by clicking on "Open" button at the bottom of the window.
MobaXterm
MobaXterm is a powerful program that integrates a shell, file manager, X11 server, and additional utilities in one package. Download and install MobaXterm (the free Home Edition is sufficient).
Setting up a key pair
- Tools → MobaKeyGen (SSH key generator)
- Generate (follow the instructions to move your mouse randomly in the specified area)
- Save private key → save the private key file in a folder of your choosing, and set the filename to id_rsa.ppk
- Save public key → save the public key in a folder of your choosing so you have a backup of it if needed later
- Copy the entire contents in the text box under "Public key for pasting into OpenSSH server"
- Go to the Strelka Account Request page and paste the public key text into the box provided.
Configuring MobaXterm
- Session → SSH → Remote host → enter
strelka.swarthmore.edu
- Check Specify username → enter your Swarthmore username (case-sensitive, use all lowercase letters)
- Under Advanced SSH settings → check Use private key → click the file icon and navigate to the private key file (
id_rsa.ppk
) you generated above - Click OK to save the session settings
Connecting to Strelka
The session will be saved in a list on the left side of the window; double-click on strelka.swarthmore.edu
to connect.
If off campus, start VPN before opening the connection to Strelka.
Which program should I use?
Both PuTTY and MobaXterm provide similar functionality. PuTTY is lighter-weight, whereas MobaXterm comes with many additional utilities and capabilities that most users won't need. On the other hand, MobaXterm comes with a built-in X11 server, so if you intend to use graphical applications, it is an excellent all-in-one solution, plus it has other useful features, such as an integrated SFTP file manager, making it straightforward to upload and download files to/from Strelka. In the end, it is mostly personal preference.
Connecting to Strelka for Graphical Programs
It is possible to run graphical programs on Strelka using X11 forwarding; for further information please see these instructions to use GUI applications on Strelka.