VPN Access
Sometimes it becomes necessary to access certain services from outside the SECS network, like from home or some other network. If you come across a time when you are setting up a server for a networking class that you need to access, or want to run a long-running computation from home instead of having to stay in school to wait for it to finish then VPN is for you!
We provide what is called a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. This allows you to "dial in" to SECS from any computer, and act as if you were connected to the network here on campus. We provide VPN access for all SECS Faculty, Staff, and Students.
To access the VPN, you must be running Windows XP. Operating systems such as Linux or Mac OS are known to support PPTP VPNs, but they are not covered in this tutorial.
Start by opening the control panel under your start menu.
Then double-click on "Network Connections"
Then double-click on "Network Connections"
Once that is open, you should see a "Network Tasks" pane on the left-hand side of the window. Click on "Create a new connection."
Now you will see the Connection Wizard. Press "Next" at the first screen. Then you should see this screen:
Select "Connect to the network at my workplace" and click next.
Then you will see this window:
Select "Virtual Private Network connection", then click next.
Then you will see this window:
Type "SECS" under company name, or whatever you want to identify it as, then click next.
Then you will see this window:
Type "vpn.secs.oakland.edu" into the text box, then click next.
Now you will be able to finalize the connection and place a shortcut on your desktop.
Click Finish on this window, with the "Add a shortcut to this connection on my desktop" box selected.
Then you will see this dialog:
Type in your SECS username (If you don't have one, see the accounts page.) and password into the fields, and connect. You should see this window:
And if you've done everything properly and there is nothing wrong, you will be notified that the SECS network is now connected:
You are now ready to access the networks services.
More info on Using VPNs
Troubleshooting (a must read for Vista and windows 7 users)