Connecting to a campus Linux computer

You can connect to various Linux computers on campus remotely by utilizing Secure Shell (SSH). MacOS, most Linux distributions, and modern versions of Windows will already have an SSH Client. For some versions of Windows, you may need to install the PuTTY SSH client. When connected to the remote machine, your home directory (~) will be your networked H: drive. 

Connecting from off-campus

The university provides two primary servers for connecting remotely: 

• guardian.it.mtu.edu (updates preview)
• colossus.it.mtu.edu

VPN requirement

You will need to connect to the campus VPN if you are off-campus, using a minimally managed device or personal device.

Connecting from Linux

1. Connect to the VPN.
2. Open a terminal. 
3. Enter the following command, using your Michigan Tech account name: 
   ssh accountname@guardian.it.mtu.edu
4. Verify the host key with the keys published online.
5. Enter your Michigan Tech password. Note that the characters you type will not display on the screen to protect your privacy.
6. Hit the Enter key.

 Connecting from MacOS 

1. Connect to the VPN. 
2. Open a terminal. 
3. Enter the following command, using your Michigan Tech account name:
   ssh accountname@guardian.it.mtu.edu 
4. Verify the host key with the keys published online.
5. Enter your Michigan Tech password. Note that the characters you type will not display on the screen to protect your privacy. 
6. Hit the Enter key. 

Connecting from Windows with SSH

1. Connect to the VPN.
2. Search for and open the ‘Terminal’ application in the start menu. 
3. Enter the following command, using your Michigan Tech account name: 
   ssh accountname@guardian.it.mtu.edu
4. Verify the host key with the keys published online.
5. Enter your Michigan Tech password. Note that the characters you type will not display on the screen to protect your privacy.
6. Hit the Enter key.

Connecting from Windows with PuTTY

1. Connect to the VPN.
2. Install and open PuTTY.
3. Enter guardian.it.mtu.edu for the hostname.
4. Select the Open button.
5. Verify the host key with the keys published online.
6. Enter your Michigan Tech account name at the login as: prompt.
7. Enter your Michigan Tech password at the accountname@guardian.it.mtu.edu's password: prompt.