A virtual private network (VPN) is a technology for using the Internet or another intermediate network to connect computers to isolated remote computer networks that would otherwise be inaccessible. A VPN provides varying levels of security so that traffic sent through the VPN connection stays isolated from other computers on the intermediate network, either through the use of a dedicated connection from one “end” of the VPN to the other, or through encryption. VPNs can connect individual users to a remote network or connect multiple networks together.
Think of it like this: You went overseas and you wish to access important company documents, due to time zone differences you can’t call anyone in the office back home and ask them to email you the documents…
However, if you knew how to set up a virtual private network (VPN), you could access the files from any computer in the world! A VPN allows you to connect to a computer from anywhere in the world and access the files.
Setting up a VPN in Windows is a two step process
- Set up one computer to share files (server).
- Set up another computer to access them (client).
- Begin by setting up the server:
- Open your web browser and go to http://www.whatismyip.com. Write down the IP address. You will need it to configure the client.
- Click the Start button and click Run.
- Type control and hit Enter.
- Click Network and Internet Connections.
- Click Network Connections.
- Click Create a New Connection, which is the first option on the left toolbar.
- The New Connection Wizard will open. Click Next.
- Choose Set up an advanced connection, the last element on the list. Click Next.
- Choose Accept incoming connections. Click Next.
- You will see the Devices for Incoming Connections screen. Do not select anything on this screen. Click Next.
- Select Allow virtual private connections. Click Next.
- Select to whom you want to give access. Click Next. If a user is not listed, you will have to add an account. See “Related Wikihows” for more information.
- Do not change anything on the Networking Software screen. Click Next.
- That’s it! Your computer is now set up to allow for VPNs. Click Finish to complete the wizard.
- Now proceed to connect the client:
- Click the Start button and click Run.
- Type control and hit Enter.
- Click Network and Internet Connections.
- Click Network Connections.
- Click Create a New Connection, which is the first option on the left toolbar.
- The New Connection Wizard will open. Click Next.
- Select Connect to the network at my workplace and click Next.
- Select Virtual Private Network connection and click Next.
- Type the name of your network in the blank box. Click Next.
- Enter the IP address you wrote down earlier and click Next.
- Select Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop and click Finish.
I hope this information comes in handy for you one day and thank you for taking the time to read my post.. 🙂
