Virtual Private Network Resource

Requirements for Setting up a Virtual Private Network

Virtual private networking has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more companies are allowing their employees to telecommute. These employees still need access to the computer network that the company has but it does not need to have the employees directly in one place. Instead, through virtual private network connections employees are able to access the network via a secure network using their own Internet connection.

In order to set up a virtual private network for yourself or your employees there are a few system requirements that you will need. Here is a list of the requirements for the computer system.

VPN Endpoints. In order to establish a virtual private network you will need to have what is considered a virtual private network endpoint. There are several options for these endpoints and the amount of endpoints that are needed depends on whether it is a site to site connection or just a one sided connection. Options include consumer grade routers or a network’s firewall.

VPN Client. You will also be required to have software or a computer that has a virtual private networking solution set up for their computer. Windows PCs come complete with a virtual private networking solution already installed. All that needs to be done is have a network created under the create a new network connection. For non-Windows computers you will need to install a software that will allow you to create a new network for the virtual private network.

Compatible Protocols. Both parts of the network will require the use of either a layer two tunneling protocol or a point to point tunneling protocol. Both client computers and the host computer need to support these protocols so that the computers can connect to each other.

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network Using a Windows PC Part 2

When you need to access files, emails and a computer system and you are not actively in front of that computer a virtual private network connection can allow you to do just that. Virtual private networking allows computer users to have full access of the computer that they need to access only instead of sitting in front of the computer they are in front of another computer that could be miles away.

In order to be able to access a virtual private network connection the computers need to be specially setup in order to allow the computer that is trying to get in access. After telling the computer that you want to setup a virtual private network there are a few steps that you need to do to make sure that you can enter the computer from another location. Here are those steps.

Step 1. Start by selection Start and then Control Panel. Select the option titled Network and Internet and then choose Connect to a Network.

Step 2. From the connect to a network option select Set up a connection or network. There will be a list of options choose the one that says connect to a workplace and select the next button.

Step 3. Pick the option that states Use my internet connection through VPN. VPN stands for virtual private networking.

Step 4. You will need to assign an IP address for the computer that is allowed to access your computer. Type the IP address of the host computer in the section that is titled Internet Address. You will also need to enter a name of the network that you have created this will go under Destination Name. From there select don’t connect now, just set up for later use. Select Next.

Step 5. You will be asked for a virtual private network username and password type this in and select remember later. Then choose create.

Filed Under: Private Networks, Software Tagged With: IP address, Virtual private network

Setting Up a Virtual Private Network Using a Windows PC Part 1

Sometimes you want or need to access a file on another computer. Oftentimes that computer is not readily accessible or miles away. While you could always ask a friend or co-worker to access that computer, an easy way to get the files that you want without having to bother other people is through a virtual private network. Virtual private networks work in similar ways to a remote access of a computer but instead of an unsecured connection, the connection is secured and prevents hackers or others from gaining access to either computer.

If you are using a Windows PC your computer already comes built with a way to access a virtual private networking program. Here is how to access it if you want to create a virtual private networking connection.

Step 1. Select the Start button and choose the Control Panel option. From the box select Network and Internet, then Network Sharing Center.

Step 2. You should select Manage Network Connections and choose from the selections New Incoming Connection.

Step 3. There will be a box with a bunch of checkmarks, place one in the box so that you can choose which user will be able to setup a virtual private network. When selected, select Next.

Step 4. There will be a list of options choose through the Internet and click Next.

Step 5. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 from the list and then check the box that says allow callers to access my network. You will also need to choose the selection that says to assign IP addresses automatically.

Filed Under: Computer, Private Networks Tagged With: IP address, Virtual private network

How to Create a VPN Using Cbeyond Software

A software program that allows companies and businesses to allow telecommuting employees to sign into any of the business computers via their home computer is known as the Cbeyond. Cbeyond is a computer software program that provides a wide range of business essentials. Cbeyond offers website hosting services, email and a security system for all the business’ computers. However, it is the virtual private networking that it provides that many small businesses like to use.

Cbeyond allows employees to connect to a computer within the business through a secure network. However, instead of being there at the computer they can be at home on a different computer. Here is a walkthrough of how you can sign into Cbeyond’s virtual private networking system from a home computer.

Step 1. Start by going to the website for CbeyondOnline. You will have already created a username and a password. You will need to use these to sign into any virtual private networking system. If you have not created a username and password you will need to do so.

Step 2. Once signed in you will have a dashboard. From the dashboard select the link that states my services. From there select the service titled “Virtual Private Networking”.

Step 3. You will be given a screen that has blank fields that you need to fill out. You will be required to put in a first name, last name, an email address and the username and password that you used to get into the dashboard.

Step 4. There will be a section titled Save. Select save and this will send an email to the address you provided with a link to creating the virtual private networking system.

Step 5. Once you have received the email, which might take a few days, you will be able to click on the link in the email. This will help you set up the virtual private network. When you do you will have to tell your Internet it is okay to create a connection to the Cbeyond network and your virtual private network is created.

Filed Under: Private Networks, Software Tagged With: Business, Virtual private network

Limitations of a Virtual Private Networking System

Setting up a virtual private network is a very popular way for businesses allow their employees to telecommute to work and use the system or network from a home computer. There is no need to have to be in one physical location or hardwired to a company computer. Even though this system sounds like an ideal situation there are some limitations that come from setting up a virtual private network. Here is a look at the limitations that come with a virtual private network.

The biggest limitation that comes from using a virtual private network is that the information can at times be very very slow. This is due to the process that the virtual private network uses to decode and encrypt files. When a person sends information over the virtual private network the information is encrypted and the system will decode it on the system’s end. This causes the information to move very slow because of all the encrypting and decoding that is going on.

The limitations of decoding and encrypting is only made worse when the computer user’s Internet speed is taken into account. Most internet providers are faster when it comes to downloading stuff than uploading stuff. This means that because the information needs to be uploaded it can slow down the speed of information that goes through the private virtual network.

Another limitation of the virtual private network is that when a computer is on one all the information that the computer user sends through the system goes through the encryption system. This means that blogs, emails and documents that might not need to be encrypted are being coded and decoded by the system. This can cause a virtual private network system to become overwhelmed and work at incredibly slow speeds.

When considering using a virtual private networking system one must take into account these various limitations and problems that you could experience with using it.

Filed Under: Local Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Internet access, Virtual private network

Advantages of a Virtual Private Networking System

Virtual private networks have made telecommuting employees feel as if they are a part of the central structure of the business that they work for. An established virtual private network allows people to be able to access a central network through a secure networking connection usually the Internet. This allows the telecommuters to have access to all the files and system information while they are not directly in front of the computer. However, like all forms of technology there are usually advantages and disadvantages to using certain forms of technology. Here is a look at some of the advantages of having a virtual private network through your computer.

The first and best advantage of accessing a central network through a virtual private network is the process of how the work is handled by all the PCs involved. The established connection and all information is the only thing that relies upon the stable connection. All the work that is done on the computer is done solely by the physical computer sitting in front of the computer users. This is a great advantage for those that need to use software programs that are large and could lag up a computer system. Instead these people can use their own computer with their own software programs and then upload it onto the network through the virtual private network.

The other advantage of a virtual private network is the ability to troubleshoot problems that happen with the network. Since the network is so limited to a number of computers and a central network is computer users experience any problems they are able to isolate the problem instantly and fix it on the spot. There is no extensive troubleshooting that is involved or lengthy process of having the computer sit out of commission for a long time.

The ability to use your own computer and software programs as well as the ability to troubleshoot any problem quickly is why many companies decide to use virtual private networking for their telecommuting needs.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Telecommuting, Virtual private network

What is Virtual Private Networking

Sometimes when you are working from home or have two offices you want to be able to access files that are in one location while you are in another. It used to be that you would have to find a person to go over to the computer and email them to you or you would have to travel over to the office and get the files. However, with the advancement of technology that is no longer needed. You can use a method known as virtual private networking.

Virtual private networking is the ability to create a connection to a private network. These connections are secure which prevents people from being able to get the information that you are trying to access. The connection on a virtual private network is done through an unsecured public network which is usually the Internet for most people.

Virtual private networking can be done using a large number of programs or software programs that are available. However, the most popular form of virtual private networking is the one that is set up directly through Windows XP. Most people who wish to create a virtual private network will use the Windows version of it instead of using the other programs.

Many people who need access to computers enjoy using a virtual private network because it allows the computer that they are on to appear as if it is connected to the network separately. For many people who work in offices or with businesses that have their own network this is ideal for those who wish to commute to work and not have to have them be in front of the computer. Everyone has access to the system network and everyone is able to send and receive all the information that they want through the network.

Virtual private networking is often confused with remote desktop access, however, the two systems are completely different from one another.

Filed Under: Networks, Private Networks Tagged With: Virtual private network, Windows XP

Virtual Private Networks and the Mobile Sales Force

As customers grow more sophisticated in their demands, and the global market creates greater and greater competition; manufacturers and suppliers need every advantage they can grasp to maintain and increase their customer base. Many times, the difference between a sale and losing that sale to a competitor depends more upon issues such as availability, delivery schedule and customer service than they do on pricing and model availability.

In this type of market, it is essential to get the latest and best information into the hands of the sales force. They need to know on a moment-by-moment basis the availability of products, delivery schedules, restocking schedules, and even manufacturing schedules. This vital information may be just the key to unlock a big sale, especially when the customer is in a bind and needs fast delivery.

Once the order is placed, the sales force needs the ability to enter that order immediately into the system, so that planners can get a jump on scheduling, producing, and delivering that order to meet the customer’s needs.

Enter the virtual private network. With VPNs, companies can give their mobile sales force direct access to the company mainframe at all times. All the critical information that sales professionals have been screaming to have access to for the last couple of centuries can be right at their fingertips. Instead of having to get on the phone and call the home office, they can connect to the company’s virtual private network from wherever they are, and have real answers for the customer.

This could actually eliminate the stereotype of the less than honest salesman, who tells their customers whatever they want to hear, because they don’t have an answer. Having those answers available eliminates the need to make up something to satisfy the customer. When they have questions about the status of their order, the sales professional can give them an accurate answer in minutes, instead of having to wait for hours or even days. That’s customer service.

Filed Under: Networks Tagged With: VPN

PC Tools Free Antivirus

Downloading free antivirus software has always been a cheap, easy way to protect your computer from dangerous malware. Unfortunately, many hackers have caught on to this trend and created their own fake antivirus software. The fake software is commonly referred to as rogue security software. These rogue programs do much more harm than good. Knowing how to spot them, however, increases the odds that you will choose a legitimate antivirus program for your computer.

Detecting Fake Antivirus Software

Fake antivirus programs often use similar schemes to trick users into installing them and paying for fraudulent services. MS Antivirus, for instance, which has also gone by the name Spyware Protect 2009, tricks users by reporting to have found several viruses on the computer. The viruses, however, do not exist. The fake antivirus software then encourages the user to purchase a full version of the program to eradicate the viruses. Of course, since the viruses did not exist in the first place, users pay for absolutely nothing.

The fake antivirus program SpySheriff also uses false positives to encourage users to pay money for advanced services. It’s a common ruse.

If you have downloaded free software that requests your credit card number or other personal information, then chances are that you have found a piece of rogue security software.

A Useful Alternative

With so many fraudulent antivirus programs on the Internet, it’s hard to trust one over the rest. Luckily, PC Tools Free Antivirus has proven itself as a safe, effective tool for preventing and eliminating troublesome malware. Not only does it do the job well, but it never asks for any personal information (including your credit card number). After all, why should a company that makes free software ever need your credit card information? When they request those numbers, you know that they want to charge something to your account. Since PC Tools Free Antivirus doesn’t do this, you know that you are safe.

Filed Under: Hardware, Malware, Networks Tagged With: antivirus, Gawker Media, Kaspersky Lab, Malicious Software, Microsoft Security Essentials, Rogue security software, Security, SpySheriff

VPNs – A Tool for Maintaining Communications Security

With the constant threat of hackers and identity theft, more and more people and companies are seeking ways to insure that their access to the Internet is secure. Sensitive personal information, company financial data, product development documentation and corporate strategy are all things that travel across the Internet; but all of them need protection from digital eavesdroppers, corporate competitors and those who steal identities for financial gain.

Since virtual private networks are all encrypted, they automatically provide a high degree of communications security. While no encryption algorithm is perfect, they definitely make it harder for hackers to read sensitive information.

Think of it like this; locking your house isn’t a foolproof way of making sure a thief doesn’t come in and steal your new plasma television, it definitely makes it harder. If you succeed in making it hard enough for that thief, he’ll give up, and find an easier house to break into. Crooks are lazy, that’s why they are crooks. The Internet version isn’t any less lazy, if anything, they’ve taken laziness to new heights.

As I said, no encryption software is perfect, if you don’t believe me, just ask the mathematicians at Fort Meade (the National Security Agency). I’ll guarantee you; they can crack your most secure communications. But, why would they want to? Unless you are talking about a terrorist plot, planning to commit a major felony, or preparing to assassinate the president, they don’t have time to waste with you.

So, that just leaves the amateurs to crack your communications. Like I said, they’re lazy. Why should they work to crack your encrypted communications, sent through a virtual private network, when there are so many other people who don’t bother sending their communications with any security? That’s the best security you can get. So, thank those other people, while your VPN’s encryption protects you.

Filed Under: Hardware Tagged With: VPN