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. Go to Start -> Control Panel -> Network Connections -> Create a new Connection
Note: You may have to switch to category view in the Control Panel. Click the link: Switch to category view near the upper right corner.
2. Click Next
3. Choose: Connect to the network at my workplace, then click Next
4. Choose: Virtual Private Network Connection, then click Next
5. Enter: VT VPN for the Company Name, then click Next
6. For the hostname enter: pptp.cns.vt.edu, then click Next
7. Set it for Anyone’s Use, then click Next
8. Check the box: : Add a shortcut to the desktop, then click Finish
9. The Connect to VT VPN windows will appear. Click on Properties
10. Go to the Security Tab. Choose Advanced (custom settings), then click the Settings… button
11. Pull down the menu at the top, select Optional Encryption.
12. Click OK, and then click OK again.
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, just double click the VT VPN icon on your desktop. Enter your PID and your Remote Access Passphrase.
To disconnect from VPN, double click the VT VPN icon on your desktop and choose the disconnect button.