PuTTY for Mac

PuTTY for Mac is an open-source network suite that provides secure connections to remote servers using various protocols like SSH, Telnet, Serial, SCP, and SFTP.



It is primarily designed for Windows but has been ported to macOS, providing Mac users with access to all its features.

The core feature of this pack is a terminal emulation utility, that provides a lightweight, fast, and secure way to manage SSH connection between computers with full control over various data transfer and data manipulation services.

PuTTY for macOS implements the full capability of this service into a GUI-less command-line dashboard that advanced users can use to control all aspects of their networking via SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and other network protocols.

In addition to controlling a local computer, this tool can also be used to manage multiple computers simultaneously, providing users with full control over the functioning, monitoring, and security of individual and batch network transfers.

Today, this utility is mostly used as one of the most powerful tools in the arsenal of seasoned network administrators who want to always have a convenient way to connect to remote servers and securely transfer files over the network with full control over the SSH encryption keys and protocol versions.

Main Features

• Support for Multiple Protocols – Take full control over SSH, Telnet, Raw Socket Connection, and Serial protocols for versatile network file transfers.
• Powerful Command Set – GUI-less approach that empowers network administrators to precisely set up network transfer projects.
• Key Generation Utility – Generate RSA and DSA keys via a lightweight PuTTYgen tool.
• Customizable Keyboard Controls – Change the behavior of special keys (backspace, home, end, and others) to boost daily productivity.
• Customizable UI – The terminal window of this app can be easily resized, and modified to use custom fonts, colors, and more.
• Streamlined User Logins – Automatically log into the terminal window without the need to enter user credentials at every app start.

Installation and Setup

This app is not distributed on the Mac platform as a standalone automatic installer and must instead be installed via command-like installers such as Homebrew (“sudo brew install putty”), MacPorts (“sudo port install putty”), and others.

Due to this approach, users are required to first install the Command-line Tools utility from the Apple Developer website, X-Code IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for the Mac Platform, and finally MacPorts app for automated installation and management of apps.

All additional management of this app (updating to a new version, creation of a desktop shortcut, uninstallation) must be performed via command line tools inside MacPorts or Homebrew.

How to Use

To use PuTTY, users need to launch the command line dashboard and enter their login credentials.

After this authentication step, users can start inputting the correct commands for file transfers, which include the remote server's IP address or hostname, along with the appropriate protocol and port number.

User Interface

This app does not feature a graphical interface and instead requires users to use text commands. User-resizable terminal window however can be customized with non-standard colors and fonts.

FAQ

What is PuTTY?
It is an open-source network tool that provides secure connections to remote servers using various protocols like SSH, Telnet, Serial, and others.

Is it safe?
100% yes.

What transmission protocol standards are supported by this app?
SCP, Telnet, Raw Socket Connection, Serial, SCP, SFTP.

What security public-key cryptosystems are supported?
RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm), ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm), and EdDSA (Edwards-curve Digital Signature Algorithm).

Includes

• PuTTY (the core of the Telnet and SSH client)
• PSCP (SCP client)
• PSFTP (SFTP client)
• PuTTYtel (Telnet-only client)
• Plink (back-end command line tool)
• Pageant (SSH authentication agent)
• PuTTYgen (RSA and DSA key generator)

Alternatives

ZOC Terminal for Mac – A professional SSH client for seasoned network administrators.

Termius for Mac – A cross-platform SSH client with a stylish modern user interface.

Royal TSX – A powerful remote management tool that offers support for multiple protocols for file transfers and credential management.

Pricing

This is a 100% free and open-source software.

System Requirements

This lightweight app is optimized for macOS 10.8 or later. It requires the presence of Command-line Tools and X-code before it can be installed and used.

PROS

• Streamlined access to network transfer tools.
• Powerful command line interface.
• Support for multiple Protocols.
• Customizable terminal window.
• Customizable keyboard controls.
• Comes built-in with various other network management tools.
• Free for use.

CONS

• Focus on command line interface operations.

Conclusion

PuTTY for Mac is a highly configurable open-source SSH client that empowers network administrators, home networking enthusiasts, and IT students to take full control over the process of connection and file transfers on networked computers.

This app is today regarded as one of the best open-source solutions for establishing secure network transfers with just a few simple text commands.

Also Available: Download PuTTY for Windows