Opening ports in ubuntu

I am trying to setuo ssh on my home workgroup of 6 PCs, 3 are running ubuntu 10.10, 1 Fedora 14(server) and 2 XP pro systems with sp3.

I want the ability to remote to all systems, securely and administer them other than using VNC. I never bothered with ssh. Yet since I'm mastering network security, ssh seemed to be a good start.

The ubuntu systems have ssh installed by default and tested the ssh program on my computer. I ssh to my IP address using my gnome shell console, and the console said " ssh: connect to host x.x.x.x port 22: Connection refused"? I thought that meant, port 22 was closed. I don't know of any commands to test that port directly. I used the "network tools" supplied by my system. Used netstat to get a listing of network services running and the ports associated with them. Did not see port 22, did see port 2222. I even scanned my system looking to have it print out ports that were open using the "port scan" tool. No port 22 available, however, did see port 2222 with an unknown service.

Now, I don't know if port 22 and port 2222 are the same. I configured the sshd_config file and changed the defualt port number from 22 to 2222. Ssh to my IP, and was able to login. The reason I used port 2222, is because I was researching how to setup openssh, which is used on linux servers, and I came across suggestion to change the default port 22 to 2222.

I figured that had to be some kind of command to either test of open specific ports. I guess my question has been answered. With the linux text material I have, it mention of sort.

That is a good thought. I thought you would have to set the firewall manually. I will look into it.

Thanks!