QuickFix Linux Basics: Using OpenSSH with PCMANFM in Lubuntu

Category: Linux

Most users are now accustomed to using cloud services such as Dropbox to share files across the Internet or network. However, if you prefer a more direct and secure way to share/transfer files between machines on your network, there are plenty of protocols to use such as FTP, NFS, and of course, Samba. Although there are many utilities Linux users can install to make setting up Samba and NFS a straightforward process, there are a lot of advantages to using OpenSSH. OpenSSH offers a secure and simple solution to setting up file sharing or file transfer over a network.

Connecting an Lubuntu system to an Ubuntu Unity 12.04 LTS system is fast and easy. To set up an OpenSSH connection in PCMANFM in Lubuntu:

1. Lubuntu/Ubuntu does not come with the openssh-server and openssh-client packages. Install the packages using sudo apt-get or Synaptic Package Manager on both Linux machines.
2. Assuming the network is running properly and the Lubuntu system is assigned a valid IP address, click ALT+F2 then type pcmanfm to launch the file manager.
3. In the PCMANFM address bar, type ssh:// and the IP address of the server (target machine).
4. Enter the user name and password for the server to access the folders.