Overview
This article explains the difference between SFTP and Shell users at DreamHost.
Background
A website user is the username assigned to your domain name on the server. This is the username you use to log into your server using an FTP client (to upload/download files) or as a Shell user. When adding a new user in the panel, you can choose between either option. You can also switch the type of user at any time if needed.
The difference in users
The following chart displays the primary differences between SFTP and Shell users. Both protocols are equally secure to use.
| Protocol | Log in using FTP client | Command line access | Secure |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFTP | Yes | No | Yes |
| SSH | Yes | Yes | Yes |
SFTP users
An SFTP user is used to log into a web server using an FTP client to upload and manage website files. When connecting, Port #22 is used to secure and encrypt the connection to the server.
The SFTP Users & Files page lists the username and the type of user it's configured as. Click the Login info button to display details about this user. On the next page, you can see if the user is set as an SFTP user.
- File Access only displays SFTP
- The Secure Shell Access toggle is set to off
Shell users
Shell users use a terminal to connect via SSH to a web server. Once connected, the user can then run text commands to interact with the server and website files. See this article to change an SFTP user into a Shell user.
The SFTP Users & Files page lists the username and the type of user it's configured as. Click the Login info button to display details about this user. On the next page, you can see if the user is set as a Shell user.
- File Access displays SFTP/SSH
- The Secure Shell Access toggle is set to on