Connecting to Linux Instances from Mac

Note

This guide assumes you associated your SSH Key Pair with the instance when it was created, and that you are connected to the Anvil VPN.

Access to Linux instances is via standard SSH, however SSH keys are used as opposed to entering a username and password.  

Start the built-in Terminal application, located in the Utilities folder under Applications.

Terminal application selected

Login into the web dashboard atn https://anvil.unl.edu. From the left-hand side menu, choose Instances.

left menu with Instances circled

This will show a table with the running instances and a few details about them.  Take note of the IP address entry; this is the address that will be used to connect.

example of running instances with the IP Address circled

In this example, the private key file is assumed to be on the desktop, and named anvil_key.  Depending on which Linux OS you're using in your instance, the username to use will be different.  See the Available Images page for a table with the username to use for each OS.   In the Terminal application, run the command:

ssh -i ~/Desktop/anvil_key centos@<ip address>

substituting the IP address of your instance.  For the example here, it would look like:

terminal with command to ssh into centos@10.71.100.151

My-Mac:~ Guest$ ssh -i ~/Desktop/anvil_key centos@10.71.100.151

The first time you connect, you will get a warning; type yes and hit Enter to continue connecting.  Subsequent connections will not show this warning.

prompting to type 'yes' to continue connecting

[My-Mac:~ Guest$ ssh -i ~/Desktop/anvil_key centos@10.71.100.151
The authenticity of host '10.71.100.151 (10.71.100.151)' can't be established.
RSA key fingerprint is SHA256:jG2595VuNrM8tDnqxtmf5bbTTBjX5wzuzLiz6oIonRU.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? yes

You will now be logged into your instance and can use it.

example of successsful log in

[My-Mac:~ Guest$ ssh -i ~/Desktop/anvil_key centos@10.71.100.151
The authenticity of host '10.71.100.151 (10.71.100.151)' can't be established.
RSA key fingerprint is SHA256:jG2595VuNrM8tDnqxtmf5bbTTBjX5wzuzLiz6oIonRU.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no)? yes
Warning: Permanently added '10.71.100.151' (RSA) to the list of known hosts.
Last login: Tue Feb  9 23:36:15 2016 from 10.71.100.68
[centos@my-linux-instance ~]$