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**ZDNET’s key takeaways**
If you frequently rely on SSH while using your Mac, you should know about a convenient shortcut that can dramatically simplify your workflow. The macOS Terminal application includes a fully functional SSH connection manager integrated directly into its interface. This built‑in tool is both intuitive and completely free, providing users with a streamlined way to establish secure remote connections.

Personally, I depend on Secure Shell (SSH) every single day because it offers one of the most reliable and secure methods of connecting to remote systems. Whether I’m logging into a server on my local network or managing a computer hosted halfway across the world, SSH remains my go‑to solution. Its elegance lies in its simplicity: a powerful command‑line utility that encrypts communication and grants secure shell access through a single line of text.

To initiate a connection manually, you would use a straightforward command such as:
“`
ssh USERNAME@SERVER
“`
Here, *USERNAME* represents the user account on the remote device, while *SERVER* stands for the IP address or domain name of the target system. Once executed, SSH establishes an encrypted link, ensuring secure data exchange between local and remote machines.

For users managing multiple servers, SSH allows the creation of a configuration file where predefined shortcuts can be saved. A sample configuration might include aliases like “hive” or “InvoicePlane,” each linked to a particular IP address. With a global configuration option—perhaps a default username of “jack”—you can quickly connect to a specific system simply by typing:
“`
ssh hive
“`
This command automatically applies the stored username and corresponding IP address, greatly reducing typing and potential for error. It’s a remarkably efficient setup once configured.

However, not everyone enjoys interacting exclusively through the Command Line Interface (CLI). Many users find text‑based commands intimidating, while others prefer graphical tools that minimize manual input and avoid the need to memorize IP addresses or login names. Fortunately, macOS provides an elegant alternative: a graphical SSH configuration manager seamlessly integrated into the native Terminal app. This tool offers the same secure connectivity—only with a more approachable visual interface suitable for users who favor GUI‑driven environments.

Once you start using macOS’s SSH connection manager, you may find yourself wondering how you ever worked without it. It transforms connecting to remote systems into a point‑and‑click experience without compromising the security SSH is known for.

**Opening the SSH connection manager**
By default, the SSH manager is already built into Apple’s Terminal application. To access it, you must ensure that you are using the official macOS Terminal—third‑party terminal replacements might not include this functionality. Open your Launchpad, search for “Terminal,” and click the native icon when it appears. Inside the Terminal menu, choose **Shell > New Remote Connection**. This action triggers a small window to appear, giving you access to available connection types.

Within this dialog, select **Secure Shell (SSH)** as the service type. Then, click the plus (+) button under the *Server* section to display the connection manager interface. This simple GUI provides fields for adding and organizing SSH endpoints, making connection setup straightforward even for those with little command‑line experience.

When prompted by the “new server” pop‑up, enter your remote connection details in the format *USERNAME@SERVER*. The username portion specifies your login identity on the remote host, while the server can be either a numeric IP address or a domain name. If you omit the username, you’ll have an opportunity to specify it later during connection.

After defining the necessary details, click **OK** to finalize the configuration. You’ve now created a reusable SSH entry directly from the Terminal app.

**Using the connection manager**
To initiate a connection, simply reopen the Terminal app and double‑click the saved address from your configured list. A new Terminal window appears, automatically launching an SSH session and prompting you for the remote user’s password. Once entered, you’ll gain immediate access to the remote machine—no manual typing of complex commands required.

The connection manager allows the creation of as many SSH logins as your workflow demands. Each entry can store different hostnames, IP addresses, and usernames. If you skipped entering a username during the initial setup, you can conveniently add or modify it through the graphical interface. This design makes it especially practical for administrators or developers managing numerous connections, each tied to unique credentials.

Furthermore, you may fine‑tune connection settings using the SSH protocol selection menu on the right‑hand side, choosing between **SSH Automatic**, **SSH 1**, or **SSH 2**, depending on your system’s requirements and compatibility. Most modern users will rely on SSH2 for its improved encryption and security features.

Once you’ve built a list of frequently used connections, connecting becomes nearly effortless: open the Terminal, double‑click the desired entry, type your password, and you’re securely connected. The process eliminates repetitive typing and minimizes configuration errors.

In essence, this built‑in SSH management system represents a sophisticated yet user‑friendly enhancement to macOS’s Terminal environment. It bridges the gap between the efficiency of command‑line operations and the accessibility of a graphical interface, making secure remote access easier for newcomers and experts alike. With this feature, everyday SSH sessions become faster, cleaner, and significantly more convenient—proof that even long‑time developers can benefit from taking a fresh look at the tools macOS has quietly offered all along.

Sourse: https://www.zdnet.com/article/using-ssh-on-macos-is-easy-thanks-to-this-built-in-connection-manager/