[dexter1]

Qzu, irix.cc developers are working to create the irisware platform which should be capable of installing software on IRIX systems for end-users.

Until then, we still have to compile stuff ourselves or work with nekoware and freeware tardists. And yes, this can be a hassle if the tardists are several years old.
Can you tell us what software exactly you want to run on your octane?

ssh has many implementations: There is the openssh/openssl package on the IRIX applications CD, or use the one from IRIX freeware distribution.
Nekoware has several working ssh tardists like the beta folder from Rainer Canavan. I also have some more recent nekoware tardist on my website which you can find in my signature.

Also, if you have issues with a specific tardist, please state its version and what IRIX version you are running.