Stop Using Putty, MobaXterm, and Screen: Unlock the Power of SSH Config

If you’re still using Putty, MobaXterm, or relying on screen for managing SSH connections, it’s time for an upgrade. Native SSH configurations offer a simpler, more powerful way to handle remote connections without the need for third-party tools.

Why Switch to SSH Config?

SSH config files (~/.ssh/config) allow you to:

  1. Simplify Connections
    Replace long commands with short, memorable aliases, so you never have to remember IP addresses or ports again.

  2. Use Advanced Features
    With SSH config, you can easily set up complex setups like proxy jumps, key forwarding, and more.

  3. Improve Security and Portability
    Your configurations are secure, portable, and don’t rely on additional software.

Basic SSH Config Example

Start by creating or editing your SSH config file:

nano ~/.ssh/config

Add a basic configuration:

Host myserver 
  HostName 192.168.1.100 
  User myusername 
  Port 22 
  IdentityFile ~/.ssh/id_rsa

Now, connect with a simple command:

ssh myserver

Advanced Tip: Use Includes to Organize Configs

Organize complex configurations with the Include directive:

Structure your SSH config directory like this:

~/.ssh/config
    config.d/
        work
        personal
        shared

In your main config file:

Include ~/.ssh/config.d/*

This keeps your configurations clean and manageable.

Ditch Screen: Try tmux or Mosh

Instead of using screen, consider tmux for advanced session management or Mosh for persistent connections even in unstable environments.

Conclusion

Switching to SSH configs simplifies your workflow, enhances security, and eliminates the need for third-party tools. Give it a try and experience the difference!