What type of server enables users to remotely log on to a host computer and execute tasks?

• A. Telnet
• B. SSH
• C. FTP
• D. SMTP

Answer: (A)

A remote login service lets a user connect to a different computer and run commands as if they were sitting in front of it. Telnet is the server that provides this capability: it accepts a connection from a client, authenticates the user, and presents a command-line shell on the host so you can execute tasks remotely. That direct, interactive login is what enables remote administration and task execution.

Keep in mind that Telnet transmits everything in plaintext, which is why SSH is the modern, secure alternative for remote logins because it encrypts the session. The other options don’t provide remote command-line access: FTP is for transferring files, and SMTP is used for email delivery.