For some advanced functions, such as modifying the underlying programming of a website, it is convienient to be able to speak directly with the underlying Linux operating system via its "command line interface". SSH is a secure communication program that runs on one computer, such as your desktop, and allows you to access the command-line interface on another computer, such as a server.

Please note that not all BroadSky accounts include SSH access. If you do not have SSH access and would like to have it added to your account, please contact BroadSky.

The SSH program BroadSky recommends for use on Microsoft Windows computers is PuTTY, which may be downloaded from here. There are several guides available on the internet that cover the details of how to use PuTTY; see the official documentation here, as well as some good tutorials here and here.

Briefly, to connect to your BroadSky server using PuTTY, start up PuTTY, fill in the box labeled "Host Name (or IP Address)" with your domain name, and make sure the radio button labeled "SSH" under "Protocol" is depressed. Then press the "Open" button at the bottom of the window. The first time you do this you'll be presented with a pop-up "Security Alert" dialog box, saying that the security key of the server you're connecting to doesn't match any keys stored locally, and wanting to know if you want to store the key and proceed. Press "Yes".

If all goes well, a new window will open in which you can communicate with the BroadSky server, and you will be asked to login. Login with your regular BroadSky username and password, and you're in!

Of course, once you're connected you will need to know something about Linux in order to know what to do next; that's why this is an advanced feature!