creating the keys

1. create the key pair:
   • ssh-keygen -t RSA -b 2048
   • use default options an no passphrase
2. symlink to set your default identity
   • ln -s ~/.ssh/id_rsa ~/.ssh/identity
   • ln -s ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub ~/.ssh/identity.pub

log on to a remote linux host

1. copy your public key to the remote host
   • ssh-copy-id remotehost
2. you're done!
   • ssh remotehost

log on from a remote linux host

1. copy your private key to the remote host
   • scp ~/.ssh/identity remotehost:~/.ssh/identity
   • beware of permissions and what admins can see this!!
2. make sure your public key is available on the local host
   • ssh-copy-id localhost
3. you're done!

log on from a remote windows host with putty

from the windows host:

1. make sure pscp, puttygen, and putty are installed
   • http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/download.html
2. copy the private key to your local computer
   • pscp remotehost:~/.ssh/identity .
   • be sure to put the key in a safe place and secure the file!!
3. convert your key to a .ppk file
   • start puttygen
   • "convert->import" your private key (identity)
   • "Save Private Key" to identity.ppk
   • be sure you put the .ppk in a safe place!
     
4. Configure your session to use the private key
   • start putty
   • load your session
   • under "Connection->SSH->Auth, disable "keyboard interactive" and browse for your .ppk file
   • save your session