📋 Before You Begin
Ensure you have your username and SSH password ready. You'll need your SSH server hostname (provided via email when you requested SSH access), username, and password to connect to our secure SSH proxy servers.
Important: All SSH proxy servers are under the cotse.net domain. The codamail.com domain is exclusively for email services. SSH access must be requested separately from your email account.
💻 Step 1: Download PuTTY SSH Client
While you may use any SSH client, we recommend PuTTY as it's well-known, free, and reliable. Other SSH clients will work but you'll need to adapt these instructions accordingly.
Download Options:
Alternative Versions: Choose a specific version if needed from the PuTTY site
Installation Type: Download either the installer (.msi) or standalone executable (.exe)
Security Note: Always download PuTTY from the official site to ensure you're getting an authentic, unmodified version.
⚙️ Step 2: Configure PuTTY Connection
Initial Setup:
Launch PuTTY after installation
In the "Host Name (or IP address)" field, enter the SSH server name from your welcome email
Leave the port as 22 (default SSH port)
Connection type should be SSH
Save Your Session:
In the "Saved Sessions" field, type: Cotse SSH Tunnel
Click the "Save" button to store this configuration
🔐 Step 3: Configure SSH Tunnel
Navigate to Tunnel Settings:
In the left panel, click the [+] next to "SSH" to expand it
Click on "Tunnels"
Add Port Forwarding:
In "Source port" enter: 5000
In
"Destination" enter one of the following based on your preference:
127.0.0.1:8888 - Unfiltered (you control filtering, basic header changes for privacy)
127.0.0.1:8080 - Filtered (passes through Privoxy for added safety, slightly slower)
127.0.0.1:9999 - Pass-through (changes only your IP, no modifications)
Leave "Dynamic" unchecked
Click the "Add" button
Recommendation: We recommend using port 8888 with Firefox, NoScript, and AdBlock Plus for the best balance of speed and privacy protection.
👤 Step 4: Configure Auto-Login
Set Username for Automatic Login:
Navigate to Connection → Data in the left panel
In the "Auto-login username" field, enter your Cotse.Net username (all lowercase)
Save Your Complete Configuration:
Click "Session" in the left panel to return to the main screen
Ensure "Cotse SSH Tunnel" is still in the Saved Sessions field
Click "Save" again to store all settings
🚀 Step 5: Connect to SSH Tunnel
Establish SSH Connection:
Double-click on "Cotse SSH Tunnel" in your saved sessions
If this is your first connection, accept the server's host key
Enter your password when prompted (password will not echo/display as you type)
Press Enter after typing your password
Important: Keep the PuTTY window open while using the tunnel
Connection Order: Always start PuTTY first, then configure and launch your web browser. The SSH tunnel must be active before browsing.
🌐 Browser Configuration
Firefox Configuration (Recommended):
Open Firefox
Click menu (☰) → Settings
Scroll to Network Settings and click Settings
Select Manual proxy configuration
In HTTP Proxy enter: 127.0.0.1
In Port enter: 5000
Select Use proxy server for all protocols
Click OK
Chrome/Edge Configuration:
Open Chrome or Edge
Go to Settings → Advanced → System
Click Open your computer's proxy settings
In Windows Settings, click Manual proxy setup
Toggle Use a proxy server ON
Address: 127.0.0.1, Port: 5000
Click Save
Internet Explorer/Legacy Edge:
Open Internet Options (via IE or Control Panel)
Click Connections tab
Click LAN settings
Check Use a proxy server for your LAN
Click Advanced
In HTTP field, enter Address: 127.0.0.1, Port: 5000
Click OK on all dialogs
🔧 Understanding Proxy Options
Available Proxy Ports:
🔧 Port 8888 - Unfiltered
Description: Basic header modifications for privacy, you control all filtering
Best for: Advanced users who want speed and control
🛡️ Port 8080 - Filtered
Description: Routes through Privoxy for enhanced privacy and ad blocking
Best for: Users wanting maximum privacy protection
⚡ Port 9999 - Pass-through
Description: Only changes your IP address, no other modifications
Best for: Users needing minimal interference
Recommended Extensions:
NoScript: JavaScript control for enhanced security
uBlock Origin: Efficient ad and tracker blocking
HTTPS Everywhere: Force secure connections where available
Privacy Badger: Automatic tracker learning and blocking
🔧 Troubleshooting
Common issues and solutions:
Connection Refused: Verify your SSH server hostname is correct
Authentication Failed: Username must be lowercase, password is case-sensitive
Tunnel Not Working: Ensure PuTTY window remains open while browsing
Slow Performance: Try switching from port 8080 to 8888 for better speed
Browser Can't Connect: Verify proxy settings point to 127.0.0.1:5000
PuTTY Closes Immediately: Check if SSH access is enabled for your account
Windows-Specific Issues:
Windows Firewall: May need to allow PuTTY through firewall
Antivirus Blocking: Add PuTTY to antivirus exceptions
System Proxy Settings: Some apps ignore browser proxy settings
Corporate Networks: Port 22 may be blocked, contact support for alternatives
📞 Need Help?
If you need additional assistance with SSH tunnel setup on Windows or encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please contact our support team at helpdesk@codamail.com.
We're here to help ensure your SSH tunnel works perfectly and keeps your browsing secure and private.
