Mac OSX UTCS Access CS 373

Software Engineering • Summer 2026
Getting Started Resource
Use this page to connect to UTCS machines from a Mac using SSH, SFTP, or Cyberduck.
Part of Start Here

Overview

For remote work on your UTCS account, use SSH. To transfer files, use SFTP from Terminal or use Cyberduck.

If one UTCS machine is unavailable, try another public CS machine from the UTCS machine-status page.

SSH

Connect from Terminal

To work remotely on UTCS lab machines, open the built-in MacOS Terminal and run:

ssh <username>@life.cs.utexas.edu

If the connection fails, the life machine may be down. Try another UTCS machine.

SFTP

Transfer files from Terminal

To transfer files between your local machine and UTCS, connect with:

sftp <username>@life.cs.utexas.edu

Use basic Unix/Linux commands, such as ls and cd, to navigate.

Download

$ get <filename>
$ get -r <foldername>

Upload

$ put <filename>
$ put -r <foldername>

Cyberduck

Install and configure Cyberduck

Use Cyberduck to transfer files between your local machine and your UTCS account.

  1. Install Cyberduck.
  2. Choose File > Open Connection.
  3. Select SFTP, not FTP.
  4. Use Server: life.cs.utexas.edu.
  5. Use Port: 22.
  6. Enter your UTCS username and password.
Off-campus access:
Off campus, password login may not work, and SSH public-key authentication may be required. Follow the UTCS SSH public-key authentication instructions.

Upload and download files

  • Connect using SFTP to view files on your remote CS disk.
  • To download a file, double-click it or right-click and choose Download To.
  • To upload a file, choose File > Upload.

After completing these steps, you can open a remote terminal from your local machine and work on UTCS machines.