# Access Virtual Machine (VM) using SSH Key (Windows / Macbook)

Here are step-by-step instructions to access a Server or Virtual Machine using SSH on both **Windows** and **Mac**:

### Windows (Using PowerShell or Command Prompt)

1. **Ensure OpenSSH Client is Installed**
   - Go to **Settings > Apps > Optional Features**.
   - Confirm **OpenSSH Client** is installed; if not, click **Add a feature**, find it, and install.

2. **Open PowerShell or Command Prompt**
   - Press `Windows + R`, type `powershell` or `cmd`, and hit Enter.

3. **Connect via SSH**
   - Use the command:
     ```
     ssh username@server_ip
     ```
   - Replace `username` with your remote server username.
   - Replace `server_ip` with the server’s domain name or IP address.
   - If the server uses a non-standard port, add `-p` followed by the port number:
     ```
     ssh username@server_ip -p port_number
     ```

4. **Verify and Accept Host Key**
   - At first connection, you’ll be asked to verify the server’s fingerprint.
   - Type `yes` and press Enter to continue.

5. **Authenticate**
   - Enter your password when prompted (or if using key authentication, make sure your private key is loaded or specify it with `-i`).

6. **You are connected when your prompt changes to the remote server’s shell.**

### Mac (Using Terminal)

1. **Open Terminal**
   - Use **Spotlight** or find Terminal in **Applications > Utilities**.

2. **Connect via SSH**
   - Type the command:
     ```
     ssh username@server_ip
     ```
   - Substitute `username` and `server_ip` with appropriate remote account and server info.
   - For custom ports, add `-p` option:
     ```
     ssh username@server_ip -p port_number
     ```

3. **Accept Host Key**
   - For the first-time connection, review and accept the host key by typing `yes`.

4. **Authenticate**
   - Enter your password or ensure your SSH private key is loaded (use `ssh-add` if needed).

5. **You are connected once you see the shell prompt of the remote server.**

**Additional Tips:**

- To specify a custom private key file, use the `-i` flag:
  ```
  ssh -i /path/to/private_key username@server_ip
  ```
- To exit the SSH session, type:
  ```
  exit
  ```