freeSSHD

freeSSHD is a handy software application that can help you secure your network connection as well as to create and manage remote connections. It support for authentication, Telnet and SSH.

The installation procedure takes minimal time and effort. Once it finishes, it creates an icon in the taskbar notifications area at startup for quick access. Double-clicking it brings up a configuration panel for tinkering with settings.

It is possible to start the Telnet and SSH servers, customize options related to the listened network interface, port, maximum number of connections, idle timeout, banner messages and command shell, use RSA and DSA keys for SSH, as well as to enable password and public key authentication.

You can select the encryption cyphers (e.g. 128-, 192- and 256-bit AES, 3DES, Blowfish, CAST128, any), allow local and remote port forwarding, set the SFTP path, create a list with authorized users and set permissions (e.g. use shell, SFTP or tunneling), put together a list with allowed or denied IP addresses, log events to file, view online users, as well as enable automatic checkups for software updates.

We have not come across any stability issues in our testing, since freeSSHD did not hang, crash or pop up error messages. It is very responsive to commands and has minimal impact on system performance, consuming low CPU and memory.

In conclusion, although it is not filled with rich features, freeSSHD provides users with an efficient method to ensuring network security, as well as for creating and administering remote connections.