Filed under: Software, Security
Meerkat 1.2, 100% more AppleScript support
If you work from non-secure networks (coffeehouses, airports, hotels, etc.), or if you've ever wanted to bypass a firewall (YouTube or TUAW blocked at work?) you may be familiar with SSH tunneling. It's come up more than once here on TUAW. It allows you to conduct your Internet business through a secure proxy and makes the process transparent (once you set it up, you don't have to think about it). It's typically handled via a shell command, but some GUI-based programs can make life a lot easier -- both for the less technically-inclined, and for those who want to handle multiple tunnels and automation.
Enter Meerkat, the SSH tunnel tool with the friendly face. I mentioned Meerkat about a year ago, and apparently things have been busy at the Code Sorcery Workshop since that release. The latest version of Meerkat -- version 1.2 -- sports an array of new features, from AppleScript support to a command line utility, as well as improvements to existing features like Bonjour sharing and the tunnel editing interface. I've been using the previous version for quite some time now, and I can say that this version adds some great features to an already great application.
AppleScript support means automation, and Meerkat plays well with location managers like NetworkLocation (a plugin is available on the Meerkat page), or any location manager which can run AppleScripts or shell commands. With such a setup, you can have your system automatically detect a change in networks and set up specific tunnels depending on your location. I won't go into the details of location managers right now, but it's something to look into for laptop owners on-the-move.
Additional features, including Application Triggers, Bonjour support and automatic reconnect for dropped tunnels all make Meerkat a valuable tool. At a current price of $19.95US, Meerkat provides features for a spectrum of users, from the Tunnel Setup Assistant for newbies, to advanced automation possibilities for veteran SSH'ers. I'd be negligent if I didn't mention at least one similar app in the freeware realm: SSHTunnel is a nice, easy-to-use GUI for setting up and managing tunnels. It lacks some of the automation and integration capabilities, but is a definite must-see if you're not ready to fork out for something more full-featured.
A trial of Meerkat is available for download, and a license can be purchased for $19.95US.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Joseph said 1:35PM on 5-27-2009
Can't believe there aren't more comments.
I want more articles like this.
A couple cool apps that I use regularly are Hazel and GrabUp. I am going to add Meerkat to my arsenal.
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orefalo said 7:39AM on 5-29-2009
Yep, I like SSHTunnel. It does the job and is free of charge
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ZipperSeven said 1:02PM on 5-28-2009
Meerkat is about 10 times more useful than SSHTunnel and it's relatively inexpensive for what it does. I've been using it for a year and have multiple tunnels defined for services which I use through several different SSH hosts. More than worth it.
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Unknown said 12:43PM on 5-29-2009
There is also the great SSH Tunnel Manager
http://projects.tynsoe.org/en/stm/
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