Set up logins for Linux server

You will log in using SSH, a secure command-line remote access system used across the tech industry.

Login Credentials

→ Example login (replace with your username):

ssh jones1@10.192.145.179

Step 1 — First Login & Password Change

When prompted:

1. Enter your student ID password
2. You will be asked to change your password
3. Choose something secure you will remember!

Step 2 — Generate or Use an SSH Key

SSH keys allow password-free, secure login.

Option A — You already have SSH keys on your laptop

Mac:

ls ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

Windows (PowerShell):

ls ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub

If a file appears → you’re good, continue to Step 3.
If not, generate one:

Option B — Generate a New SSH Key

Mac & Windows PowerShell:

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@kenyon.edu"

Press Enter 3 times to accept defaults
→ This creates two files in ~/.ssh/:

• id_rsa (private key — DO NOT SHARE)
• id_rsa.pub (public key — this we copy to server)

Step 3 — Copy Your SSH Key to the Server

Mac or Windows PowerShell:

ssh-copy-id jones1@10.192.145.179

(Replace jones1 with your Kenyon username)

You will enter your server password one last time

If ssh-copy-id is not installed (Windows sometimes)

Mac alternative:

cat ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub | ssh jones1@10.192.145.179 "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"

Windows alternative (PowerShell):

type $env:USERPROFILE\.ssh\id_rsa.pub | ssh jones1@10.192.145.179 "mkdir -p ~/.ssh && cat >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys"

Step 4 — Test Your Key Login

Now log in again:

ssh jones1@10.192.145.179

You should go right in — no password required!

SSH is now fully configured.

Where to Store Your Code

Once logged in:

mkdir csds
cd csds

This is where you can place your Data Structures programs.

Try Your First Program

Create a small test C++ file:

nano hello.cpp

Paste:

#include <iostream>
using namespace std;

int main() {
  cout << "Hello from the Linux server!" << endl;
  return 0;
}

Compile & run:

g++ hello.cpp -o hello
./hello

You’re Ready!

You can now:
✔ Build C++ programs on the Linux server
✔ Use Git / VS Code remote SSH extension
✔ Work in a real development environment like industry pros

If you have trouble, contact your instructor