From 6ec471bf54b9623d963767df9b2afced3b812220 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Cameron McEfee Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:50:20 -0800 Subject: added info about ssh passphrases --- _posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown | 23 ++++++++++++++++++++++- 1 file changed, 22 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) (limited to '_posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown') diff --git a/_posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown b/_posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown index 0450529..c4d34b2 100644 --- a/_posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown +++ b/_posts/2011-02-15-linux-set-up-git.markdown @@ -23,6 +23,12 @@ _*If you don’t already know what Git is, + + If you don’t have a package manager like Synaptic, or you’d rather install the necessary git components from the command line, run the script below: + + 
+		$ sudo apt-get install git-core git-gui git-docInstalls git-core, git-gui, and git-doc on your system
+
__*Note*__ Don’t worry that you don’t see an icon when it’s done. It’s not that kind of application. @@ -98,7 +104,22 @@ To make sure you generate a brand new key, you need to check if one already exis Enter file in which to save the key (/home/your_user_directory/.ssh/id_rsa): - Now you need to enter a passphrase. _[Why is this important?](../working-with-key-passphrases)_ + Now you need to enter a passphrase. + +
+

Why do passphrases matter?

+
+

Passwords aren’t very secure, you already know this. If you use one that’s easy to remember, it’s easier to guess or brute-force (try many options until one works). If you use one that’s random it’s hard to remember, and thus you’re more inclined to write the password down. Both of these are Very Bad Things™. This is why you’re using ssh keys.

+ +

But using a key without a passphrase is basically the same as writing down that random password in a file on your computer. Anyone who gains access to your drive has gained access to every system you use that key with. This is also a Very Bad Thing™. The solution is obvious: add a passphrase.

+ +

But I don’t want to enter a long passphrase every time I use the key!

+ +

Neither do we! Thankfully, there’s a nifty little tool called ssh-agent that can save your passphrase securely so you don’t have to re-enter it. Most linux installations will automatically start ssh-agent for you when you log in.

+ +

For more information about SSH key passphrases, check out our help guide.

+
+ 
 	Enter passphrase (empty for no passphrase):
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