Here are some readouts from my Linux box. Maybe some of these settings are interfering in one form or another. I still get the exact same error - ssh_init: Connection timed out. I have tried all suggestions. Thank you all for your patience. I really appreciate it. I will get this issue resolved . . . soon! Last night I went through some settings on Linux, and listed anything I found that might be important. In YAST, under a host name and name server configuration menu, it says my host name is LINUX and my domain name is "local". It then lists domain search lists and name servers. All are blank. Current hosts listed in YAST are: IP Add. Name Alias 127.0.0.1 localhost 192.168.1.1 WINBOX Grafxbox 192.168.1.2 LINUX.local LINUX Then it lists some rather odd ip addresses. ::1 localhost ipv6-localhost (somethin, somethin) fe00:0 ff00:0 Putty launches but it still gives a "connection timed out" error. Also, what is an NIS Client? Do I need this? Should I care? I'm technically about THIS close (show fingers) to asking someone to come out and fix the prob for me for a small fee, but I figure I can learn more if I can do it myself. But like I've said before, I've got a ton of important info on my Linux box that's basically stuck there. So several projects are waiting on my lack of networking abilities! Thanks again for all your help, people! Sincerely, Nick Scholtes Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. ~ Elie Wiesel View my blog & artwork! *********************** http://artandprose.blogspot.com/ http://www.Care2.com Free e-mail. 100MB storage. Helps charities. Make a Difference: Tell car makers to clean up their act - http://www.care2.com/go/z/cleancars