DreamHost offers shell access, but it needs to be specifically enabled for each user. You can either create a new user with shell access enabled, or modify and existing user to have shell. Here’s how:

Enabling Shell Access for an Existing User:

1. Navigate to “USERS > MANAGE USERS” section of the web panel.
2. Click the “edit” link next to the user you want to enable shell access for.
3. Check the “Enable ssh/telnet?” box for that user, leaving the “Type” as is — unless you need it to be something other than bash.
4. Click “Save Changes”.

Creating a New User with Shell Access:

1. Navigate to “USERS > MANAGE USERS” section of the web panel.
2. Click “Add New User”.
3. Check the “Shell account” option, leaving the “Type” as is — unless you need it to be something other than bash.
4. Choose a username for the person. This will be there login.
5. Enter the full name of the user you’re creating the account for.
6. You can let the web panel generate a password for this user or choose one yourself.
7. Click the “Add User” button.

Ta da! Yes, it’s that easy.
Remember that it can take about 20 minutes for these changes to take effect.