Connecting to a campus Linux computer

You can connect to various Linux computers on campus remotely by utilizing Secure Shell (SSH). MacOS and most Linux distributions will already have an SSH Client and on Windows; we suggest you use PuTTY. When you are connected to the remote server; you are in your H:/Home drive root directory. 

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 beginning Wednesday, May 3, 2023

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

Information Technology continually looks at ways to reduce risks from cyber threats to campus resources. To improve security, we will be making a change to the way on-campus systems are remotely accessed from off campus. 

Remote access protocols like Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol have required the use of the F5 Virtual Private Network (VPN, vpn.mtu.edu) since 2011. On Wednesday, May 3rd, we will be adding Unix-based Secure Shell (SSH) to the list of remote access protocols (RDP) that require the use of the VPN. After this change, you will first need to connect to the campus VPN server before being able to use these tools to remotely connect to an on-campus resource from off-campus.

Other remote access services such as VNC, Teamviewer, etc., will be completely blocked from off campus. If you have concerns on how changes to remote access will affect your academic or research related work, please contact Information Technology. We are happy to work with you.

Connecting from MacOS/Linux

1. Connect to the VPN.
2. Open a terminal. Enter the following command, using your Michigan Tech account name:
   ssh accountname@guardian.it.mtu.edu
3. Accept the host key if prompted. 
4. Enter your Michigan Tech password.
5. Hit the Enter key.

Connecting from Windows

1. Connect to the VPN.
2. Open an ssh client, such as PuTTY.
3. Enter guardian.it.mtu.edu for the hostname.
4. Select the Open button.
5. Accept the host key if prompted.
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.