Using SSH is somewhat not easy for a newbie. To copy files over SSH, you need long commands. So, why not just mount the remote filesystem on your local computer!
Fuse is a part of the latest kernel, so you don’t need to install fuse-utils (if you’re not sure if you have fuse, run lsmod | grep fuse.) So – install sshfs:
sudo aptitude install sshfs
You need permission to use the fuse function – so add yourself to the groups:
sudo usermod -a -G fuse username
Now – create a directory where you want the remote filesystem (make sure you are the owner of the directory). I choose /media/directory
cd /media
sudo mkdir ext_sys
sudo chown myusername:myusergroup ext_sys
Now – you mount the system (I use /media/ext_sys as mount point)
sshfs remote_username@remote_ip: /media/ext_sys
To unmount, run
fusermount -u /media/ext_sys
Got to love Linux! I had a problem with my usb-stick – but ssh popped into my head – and voila! You learn something everyday 
Updated:
You can allow the option to follow symlinks by adding ‘ -o follow-symlinks’
sshfs -o follow-symlinks user@server: /mnt/point
Thanks for the post
Shouldn’t
sudo chmod myusername:myusergroup ext_sys
be
sudo chown myusername:myusergroup ext_sys
?
You’re absolutely right!
http://serverfault.com/questions/162033/access-remote-server-with-nautilus-through-double-ssh-tunnel-using-sshfs
I’m required to ssh into an external ssh sever when I am off-site and then from there ssh into an server. How can I do this using SSHFS?
Its “-o follow_symlinks” not follow-symlinks.
Thx for post!