*** UPDATE:  Note that OpenPogo has been updated to PlugApps, and there are numerous compatibility issues with the upgraded V2 Pogoplug.  These instructions apply to V1 Pogoplugs only, at the state OpenPogo was in when the article was written.  For more information on the current state of PlugApps for both versions of Pogoplug, click here and here. *** 

It's easy to be thrilled with the Pogoplug just as it is... you can stream music, photos, and videos as well as access your files from anywhere, either with the My.Pogoplug service or by using the Pogoplug Drive software.

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What is OpenPogo and Why Would I Install It?

What if you're looking for more, though?  What if you can't resist the knowledge that the Pogoplug is really just an itty bitty Linux box waiting to be pried open and modified?  If that's how you roll, you'll want to give OpenPogo a shot.  OpenPogo makes it pretty simple for you to install Linux packages on your Pogoplug, and the possibilities are endless - for example, running a BitTorrent client right on your Pogoplug, or maybe turning your 'Plug into an iTunes shared library.  In addition, the Pogoplug is super power-efficient - thus saving you some much-needed cash over a typical Linux box.  For more details, see OpenPogo's community blog!

Get Ready For The Terminal

Mac OS X and Linux based computers make it easy to install OpenPogo on your Pogoplug, since SSH is installed by default.  In case you're feeling a little squeamish about firing up that terminal, don't worry - I'm by no means a Linux expert and had it up and running in minutes.  Also, Cloud Engines has extended their warranty to cover the base OpenPogo installation and warranty guides (but NOTHING else, so travel forward installing packages after this article with caution.)  Finally, note that this installation is intended for Pogoplugs that have not been previously modified.

If you're running Windows, OpenPogo also has instructions for how to use PuTTY to SSH into your Pogoplug, since it is not installed by default on Windows.  Otherwise, the steps afterwards are the same.

Step 1: Locate Your Pogoplug

You will need to locate your Pogoplug on your home network to complete the very first step.  The easiest way to do this is to access your home router (usually 192.168.1.1 or something similar) through a browser and view the devices that are currently attached to your network.  In my setup, the Pogoplug did not identify itself, so I simply unplugged the Ethernet cable to see which device disconnected and reconnected, and thus found my Pogoplug's IP address.

Now that you know your Pogoplug's IP address, you will SSH into your Pogoplug through the Terminal.  Fire up the terminal and type in the following command, using the IP of your Pogoplug:

ssh root@192.168.X.X

Step 2: SSH Into Your Pogoplug

If you typed the command in correctly, you'll see the screen above.  Type "yes" when prompted and press Enter, then when the password prompt comes up, type "ceadmin" as the password.  You won't see your typing, so be cautious.

If you're successful, you'll see the bash prompt above  Continue on to the next page to see the final steps!

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