VPN FAQ

What is VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. The service works by making a connection across the internet between your home computer and the College network, giving you access to folders as if you were using a computer located in College.

What will VPN allow me to do?
VPN will allow you to connect to the College network, giving you access to your User Area, the Shared Folders, Sixth-Net and your email as if you where using a computer at College.

Will VPN work on my computer?
VPN is supported on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 but you will also need a broadband internet connection. It is possible to connect using earlier versions of Windows but the College does not support these systems. Users of Mac OS X (10.4 or later) can also make use of the VPN service.

How do I get VPN access?
While logged in at College, open e-HelpDesk from the start menu, click on the link labelled "Request VPN access" and follow the instructions. Once your account has been enabled for VPN access you will be sent an email with further instructions.

How do I set up VPN?
You will receive an email once you have applied for VPN using e-HelpDesk which will contain instructions on how to set up your VPN connection.

What College material does VPN allow me to access?
The Shared Folders, Sixth-Net including the Learning Resource Centre web site and the College Magazine, your User Area and your College emai account.

Do I need an internet connection?
Yes.

I'm still using a dial-up modem connection will VPN work for me?
Probably, but we recommend using broadband because everything will work much faster.

How should I use the College VPN service?
When using the College VPN you should make sure that you:

• Save regularly.
• Copy the document you are working from to your home computer and work on it there, rather than working on it from over the VPN connection. This will reduce the time it takes for you to save a document and if you loose your VPN connection, you will not loose any unsaved changes.

What if I have problems with Norton Firewall and cannot connect to VPN?
You may need to add the IP address range 172.16.0.0/24 to the Networking Configuration of the Firewall. Norton may also recommend that "EasyDrive2.exe" be blocked – select No or "Always Allow" to this message.

How do I configure email?

What must I not do when using the VPN service?
The following activities are expressly forbidden and if you are caught doing them, the privilege of using the College VPN service will be withdrawn.

• Port scan any computer on the College network
• Attempt to gain access to any resource (e.g. network share) to which you have not been given explicit permission.
• Disclose your Itcentre password to any other person.
• Attempt to guess anyone else's password.
• Run any software that could result in a Denial of Service (DoS) attack, either accidentally or by design.
• Run any Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing software (e.g. Kazaa, Morpheus etc).
• Transfer to or store on the College network any illegal or inappropriate material. The College shall have the final decision on what constitutes "inappropriate material".
• Use the College network for any activity not directly associated with your College studies or legitimate research.