IT Security

A few years ago, University policy was updated to require that anyone who needs to establish a terminal connection with University-based, UNIX systems must do so using secure shell (SSH) client application software, rather than tools, such as telnet, that transmit passwords and data in a readable form across the network.  For this purpose, virtually all University-owned computers have SSH client software already installed and ready-to-use. 

However, when connecting to University-based, UNIX systems from non-University systems, there may be occasions when the device you are using may not have SSH software installed.  For these cases, we have purchased Appgate's Mindterm secure shell (SSH) client software that you can download and run from within your computer's Web browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox) without needing administrative privileges to your system.

• To download and run the Mindterm SSH client application in your browser, click here.

• If this is the first time you are attempting to access the Mindterm SSH client application in your current browser session, you will be prompted to log in.  Enter your University Net ID and password.

• If you receive the Security Warning window, click "Yes"

• A blank browser window will open which will download and execute the Mindterm SSH client application in another browser window about five seconds later.  Do not close the blank window until you no longer require the SSH client, as doing so will also close the SSH session. 

• The Mindterm SSH client window will not open if you do not have a Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed on your computer that supports Java 1.1x.

• If you are using a Windows-based PC and have administrative privileges on your computer, you can install the Java Runtime Environment by clicking here. If you are not an administrator on your PC, you will need to locate someone with those privileges to help you with the install. Your system must be rebooted to complete the JRE installation.

• If you cancel the "Authentication Required" dialog box, you will not be able to download Mindterm until you close your current browser session.

Mindterm is a java-based SSH client application from AppGate Network Security AB. The application runs from within a browser window, so no software installation is necessary (assuming that the Java Realtime Environment is installed).

This product supports both SSH-1 and SSH-2 protocols, and functions on all Windows platforms, Mac OS 7 and higher, Linux, UNIX and handheld devices.