Stage 8 · Lesson 2 of 9
The SSH config file
The , ~/.ssh/config, saves connection settings so you type less and make fewer mistakes. A block that starts Host myvps can set HostName, User, Port and IdentityFile (which key to use). After that, ssh myvps is all you type. scp, rsync, and Remote all understand the same short names.
This file is also where you set a different key for each of several accounts. Make it readable only by you.
Common trapjuggling long commands with and key paths from your shell history, which is how people connect to the wrong server.
A question to check yourself, an AI practice session and 1 cheat sheet entry come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- GuideFreeInitial Server Setup with Ubuntu (DigitalOcean)
DigitalOcean · Beginner
A clear, widely used checklist for a new user, sudo, SSH access and a firewall on Ubuntu
- CourseFreeThe Missing Semester of Your CS Education
MIT · Beginner
The command-line environment lecture covers SSH, tmux, job control and dotfiles
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- roadmap.sh: LinuxGo deeper
The server, networking and troubleshooting branches of the Linux map