A VPN or Virtual Private Network connection allows your computer to appear it is part of the Virginia Tech network.  This allows you to use resources at Virginia Tech that require you to be on campus. 

First:

Set up your Remote Access Passphrase (your VPN password)

1. Log on to My VT (http://my.vt.edu/) using your PID and password.
2. On the upper right-hand side of your screen, select the Settings tab.
3. Click the Set Remote Access Passphrase link.
4. In the New Passphrase text box, type your new passphrase.
5. In the Confirm Passphrase text box, type your new passphrase again.
6. Click the Set Passphrase button.
7. Click the Log Off button.

Second:

Configure your VPN connection. 

1. Double-click your hard drive.
2. Double-click the Applications icon.
3. Double-click the Internet Connect icon.
4. Open a new VPN connection over PPTP.
        In Mac OS X v.10.3/10.4:
            1. From the File menu, select New VPN Connection Window.
            2. Select the PPTP option.

        In Mac OS X v10.2, from the File menu, select New VPN Connection Window.

5. If it appears, click the Continue button.
6. In the Server Address text box, type: pptp.cns.vt.edu
7. In the Account Name or User Name text box, type your PID.
8. In the Password text box, type your Remote Access Passphrase.
9. Click the Connect button. 

Third:

Using the VPN connection

You will need to connect to VPN before you try to connect to resources at Virginia Tech such as Ensemble CMS.  Once you are finished working with the network resource, you should disconnect from the VPN.  While it is ok to leave VPN connected, it will slow down your internet connection.

To connect to VPN, click on the VPN Icon on the Menu bar and choose Connect.  Enter your PID and your Remote Access Passphrase.

To disconnect from VPN, click on the VPN Icon on the Menu bar and choose Disconnect.