Using PuTTY with Linux: A Step-by-Step Guide to Running and Managing Server Jobs

Learn how to connect to Linux servers using PuTTY, switch users, run scripts, monitor jobs, transfer files, and troubleshoot common issues.

1. Introduction

In many enterprise environments, critical backend applications and data processing systems run on Linux servers. Engineers often require secure access to these servers to perform tasks such as running scripts, monitoring job execution, troubleshooting issues, and transferring files.

One of the most commonly used tools for accessing Linux servers from Windows systems is PuTTY.

PuTTY is a lightweight terminal emulator that allows users to connect to remote servers using SSH (Secure Shell). Once connected, engineers can execute commands directly on the Linux server and manage backend operations remotely.

In real-world environments, PuTTY is commonly used by:

• DevOps engineers • Data engineers • Operations engineers • System administrators

Typical tasks performed using PuTTY include:

• Connecting to Linux servers • Running backend scripts and jobs • Monitoring job execution • Checking log files • Transferring files between systems

In this article, we will walk through a step-by-step guide to using PuTTY with Linux, covering server connections, job execution, monitoring, file transfers, and common troubleshooting techniques.

Note: The examples used in this article are simplified and do not represent any real production environments.

2. What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a free and open-source terminal emulator used to connect to remote systems over a network.

It supports several network protocols, including:

• SSH (Secure Shell) • Telnet • SCP (Secure Copy Protocol) • Serial connections

Among these, SSH is the most commonly used protocol because it provides encrypted and secure communication between systems.

PuTTY provides a command-line interface that allows users to interact with Linux systems just as if they were working directly on the server.

Because of its simplicity and reliability, PuTTY is widely used in enterprise environments for server management and operational support tasks.

3. Installing and Opening PuTTY

Before connecting to a Linux server, PuTTY must be installed on your system.

Steps:

1. Download PuTTY from the official website.
2. Install the application on your system.
3. Locate the PuTTY application on your computer.
4. Double-click the PuTTY icon.

After opening PuTTY, the PuTTY Configuration window will appear. This screen allows you to configure connection settings before connecting to a server.

4. Enter Server Connection Details

To connect to a Linux server, you must enter the hostname and port number.

Example configuration:

Host Name: linux-server.example.com Port: 22

Port 22 is the default port used for SSH connections.

5. Save the Session (Optional)

If you frequently connect to the same server, it is helpful to save the session.

Example session name:

DEV_SERVER

Steps:

1. Enter the hostname.
2. Enter the session name.
3. Click Save.

This allows you to connect quickly in the future without re-entering the server details.

6. Open the Connection

After entering the server details:

1. Click Open.
2. A terminal window will appear.

The system will prompt for login credentials.

Example:

login as: dev_user

Enter your username and press Enter. Next, enter the password.

password: ****

Note: PuTTY does not display characters while typing the password. This is a normal security feature.

After successful authentication, you will be logged into the Linux server.

7. Switch to the Required User

In many enterprise environments, jobs must run under specific application users.

After logging into the server, you may need to switch to another user.

Example command:

sudo -iu app_user

This command switches the session to the required application user. Using the correct user ensures the job runs with proper permissions.

8. Navigate to the Required Directory

Before running scripts or jobs, you may need to move to the directory where scripts are stored.

Example command:

cd /home/app_user/scripts

To check available files in the directory:

ls

This command lists all files and scripts in the current directory.

9. Run a Job or Script

Once you are in the correct directory, you can execute scripts.

Example commands:

sh run_data_pipeline.sh

or

bash process_data.sh

These scripts may perform tasks such as:

• Data extraction • Data transformation • Data loading • Report generation

After executing the command, the job will start running on the server.

10. Monitor Job Execution

While the job is running, engineers often monitor system processes or logs.

Check running processes:

ps -ef | grep process_name

Monitor log files:

tail -f job_log.log

This command continuously displays updates from the log file.

11. Transfer Files Using SFTP

Sometimes files must be transferred between servers.

You can connect to an SFTP server using the following command:

sftp user@fileserver.example.com

After connecting, files can be uploaded using the put command.

Example:

put /home/user/data_file.csv /incoming/data_file.csv

This transfers the file to the remote server.

12. Exit the PuTTY Session

Once your tasks are complete, you can exit the session.

Command:

exit

This safely disconnects you from the remote server.

13. Important Linux Commands Used in PuTTY

When working with Linux servers through PuTTY, engineers often use several common commands.

Check Current Directory pwd

Displays the current working directory.

List Files in a Directory ls

Shows files in the current directory.

Detailed view:

ls -l

Change Directory cd folder_name

Moves to another directory.

View File Content cat filename.txt

For large files:

less filename.txt

Monitor Log Files tail -f logfile.log

Displays live updates from log files.

14. Common Errors When Using PuTTY

1.Connection Timeout

Example error:

Network error: Connection timed out

Possible reasons:

• Incorrect hostname • Server is not reachable • Network issues

Solution:

• Verify hostname • Check internet or VPN connection • Confirm the server is running

2.Permission Denied

Example error:

Permission denied

Possible reasons:

• Incorrect username • Wrong password • Insufficient permissions

Solution:

• Verify login credentials • Ensure correct user access

3.Command Not Found

Example error:

command not found

Possible reasons:

• Typing mistake • Script not available in current directory

Solution:

• Check command spelling • Navigate to correct directory

15. Best Practices When Using PuTTY

To ensure safe and efficient operations, follow these best practices:

• Always switch to the correct application user before running jobs. • Double-check commands before executing them. • Monitor log files after running jobs. • Avoid exposing sensitive information when documenting processes. • Always exit the session properly after completing your work.

16. Conclusion

PuTTY is a powerful tool that allows engineers to securely connect to Linux servers and perform essential operational tasks. It enables users to execute scripts, monitor job execution, transfer files, and troubleshoot system issues efficiently.

Understanding how to use PuTTY with Linux is an important skill for professionals working in DevOps, data engineering, system administration, and application support roles.

By following the step-by-step approach outlined in this guide, engineers can confidently connect to servers, execute jobs, and manage system operations in enterprise environments.