The Journal

Thoughts, tutorials, and guides on SSH, Linux security, and remote server management.

Ayan Hussain·Sep 12

SSH config file: how to manage multiple servers cleanly

Stop typing long SSH commands. The ~/.ssh/config file lets you define aliases, set per-host options, and connect to any server with a two-word command.

SSH Tools3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Sep 12

How to copy files with rsync over SSH

rsync is the right tool for syncing directories, deploying websites, and backing up servers over SSH. Real examples for deployments, backups, and a reusable deploy script.

File Transfer3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Sep 12

Git over SSH: how to use SSH with GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket

Set up SSH authentication for Git hosting services so you never type a password when pushing or pulling. Covers GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, multiple accounts, and Windows.

File Transfer3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

What is SSH and how does it work?

SSH is the standard way to access remote servers securely. Here is how the protocol actually works, without the hand-waving.

Engineering3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

What is an SSH key? How it works and how to generate one

SSH keys replace passwords for server authentication. Here is what they are, how the cryptography works, and how to generate one in two minutes.

Security3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

What is a bastion host?

A bastion host is a server that sits on the boundary between a private network and the internet. Here is what it does, why it exists, and how to use one for SSH.

Networking3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

SSH vs Telnet: why one died and one didn't

Telnet and SSH do the same basic thing. One of them sends your password in plain text. That's the whole story.

SSH Tools3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

SSH port forwarding explained with real examples

SSH port forwarding lets you tunnel traffic through an encrypted SSH connection. Here is how local, remote, and dynamic forwarding actually work.

Networking3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

SSH key authentication: how it works and how to set it up

Password-based SSH login is convenient but weaker than key authentication. Here is how SSH keys work and how to set them up in about five minutes.

Security3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

How to SSH into servers from an iPad or Chromebook

Why native SSH apps fall short on iPads and Chromebooks, and how browser-based SSH terminals solve the security and setup problems they create.

Mobile3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

How to SSH from an Android phone

Android has three realistic options for SSH: Termux, JuiceSSH, or a browser-based client. Here is a detailed comparison of each, including setup steps and where each one falls short.

Mobile3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

SSH connection refused: what it means and how to fix it

Connection refused is one of the most common SSH errors. Here is what is actually causing it and how to fix it in a few minutes.

SSH Tools3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

SCP vs SFTP: How to transfer files over SSH

Two protocols let you move files over an SSH connection. Here is the exact difference, how to use them, and when to just use rsync instead.

File Transfer3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

RSA vs Ed25519: which SSH key should you use in 2026?

Why the industry is moving away from RSA and how to switch to Ed25519 keys today, including compatibility notes for AWS, GitHub, and legacy systems.

Security3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

PuTTY alternatives in 2026 (and why most people switch)

PuTTY works, but it hasn't changed much since 2000. Here are the actual alternatives worth using today, including browser-based options.

SSH Tools3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

5 ways to lock down your SSH server

How to stop bots from brute-forcing your Linux server. Five concrete steps you can complete in under 15 minutes.

Security3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

Free web SSH clients compared (2026)

A look at the free browser-based SSH clients available in 2026, what they can actually do, and where each one falls short.

Engineering3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

What is a Bastion Host and why do you need one?

How to use a jump server to hide your internal infrastructure from the public internet. Includes SSH config setup for AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean.

Networking3 min read

Ayan Hussain·Jul 26

How to SSH into an AWS EC2 instance from a browser

A step-by-step guide to connecting to EC2 without PuTTY or a native terminal, using only your browser.

Cloud3 min read