Summary

In this lesson, you were introduced to a sampling of tools that enable you to make use of the network resources around you and around the world. As you explore Unix, you'll find that this was really only a small sampling, and that there are new tools for you to use appearing constantly. Some will be replacements or upgrades for the commands outlined here, and others will be completely new. Don't be afraid to try them out. Here's a quick review of this lesson's key points:

• The telnet command can connect you to remote machines. If you have different accounts on different machines, you'll probably find yourself using it frequently.

• The ssh command can connect you to remote machines, securely. Ask your system administrator to set up ssh for you if you do not have it. This command should be used in lieu of telnet these days. It is just as easy to use, plus you get the added benefit of security.

• The rlogin command also connects you to remote machines, but is more useful than telnet if the machines you work on are configured to allow you to rlogin between them without giving a username or password.

• The slogin command provides security for remote connections. If you have it, use it. With people breaking into Unix machines daily, the network is becoming a very scary place. Using the secure connection provided by slogin protects your network traffic from prying eyes.

• The ftp command connects you with FTP servers, and enables you to transfer files around the world.

• The sftp command connects you with FTP servers, and enables you to securely transfer files around the world.