Frequently asked questions
- What is the VPN?
- How does it work?
- How do I log in?
- What can I do when logged in?
- Who can use VPN?
- When should I use the VPN?
- Who installs the VPN client?
- Can I use VPN with any web browser?
- I’m using a dialup connection from home. Will I still be able to use the VPN?
- Can I use VPN on a Mac?
- What about PDAs or pocket PCs?
- Can I use VPN through a personal firewall?
- Does VPN offer virus protection?
- How do I know when I am connected to my filespace?
- How long can I stay connected via VPN?
- Are there plans to develop the VPN service further?
- Are there any Conditions for using the VPN service?
- Does IT Services provide support for the VPN?
- Does the VPN work with 64bit Windows Vista/Windows 7?
1. What is the VPN?
The Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides you with secure, authenticated access to University resources and filespace over the wireless networks Eduroam and ResNet, or when you are working off-site. All you need is an internet connection.
2. How does it work?
IT Services has adopted a Secure Sockets layer (SSL) VPN that allows you encrypted access to university filespace and web resources, and also to shared applications - all via a simple web interface. Simply open a web browser and login to the VPN with your usual University username and password.
3. How do I log in?
Open a web browser (preferably Internet Explorer 6 or above) and go to https://vpn.abdn.ac.uk
Note: Before logging in to the VPN for the first time, please ensure you have read the installation and connection Guidelines for your operating system - Windows XP/2000, Windows Vista/7, Mac OSX
4. What can I do when logged in?
Access personal filespace
Use the VPN's browser-based file explorer to download and upload files to your home filespace via secure file transfer.
If you are using Windows XP or Windows 2000, and Internet Explorer 6/7 as your web browser, you can also map your home filespace as a drive letter on your laptop/PC. This will allow you to access and work on files stored on your filespace via My Computer or Windows Explorer, just as you would on your desktop PC at work or on a classroom PC.
Access University resources
The VPN is a single, secure access point to the University's web-based, protected, resources. The initial phase of the VPN project will provide access to MetaLib without the need to use the web proxy.
5. Who can use VPN?
All staff and students who are registered to use University of Aberdeen IT facilities, i.e. you must have a current University of Aberdeen username and password.
Note: You must have admin rights on your laptop/PC.
6. When should I use the VPN?
Use the VPN to access your University filespace and library resources such as MetaLib when off campus, e.g. from home, or when travelling on University business.
You should not need to use the VPN from your desktop PC at work.
7. Who installs the VPN components?
You do. If you are using Windows XP, 2000, Vista or 7, the VPN components are automatically downloaded to your laptop/PC as soon as you type the VPN's URL into your web browser's address field. You will then be prompted to install the VPN components.
Note: You must have admin rights for your laptop/PC and you must have up-to-date anti-virus software installed before installation can successfully take place. For full instructions, see the Guidelines for your operating system.
Mac and Linux users are not prompted to install the VPN components, but are directed instead to the login screen.
8. Can I use VPN with any web browser?
The VPN works with modern web browsers, e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari. However, in order to map filespace you must be using Internet Explorer 6 or 7 on a Windows XP or 2000 laptop/PC. Other web browsers do not support drive mapping.
The recommended browser is Internet Explorer 6/7.
9. I’m using a dialup connection from home. Will I still be able to use the VPN?
Yes. The VPN works over most types of internet connection. However, users with dialup or slow broadband connections should be aware that performance will be slower and that the download and installation of VPN components in particular may take ~10-15 minutes. In such cases, we recommend that you use the browser-based file explorer instead of drive mapping. See the guidelines for your operating system for more.
10. Can I use VPN on a Mac?
You can use the VPN on Macs running OSX.3 and above. See the Mac OSX guidelines for more.
You will be able to connect to the University’s VPN, use the browser-based file explorer and access Library resources such as MetaLib. However, you will be unable to map your filespace as a drive.
11. What about PDAs or pocket PCs?
There is currently no support for the VPN on these devices.
12. Can I use VPN through a personal firewall?
In most cases, yes, but it depends on the security software you have installed on your laptop/PC and how you have configured it. If you are having trouble installing the VPN components, connecting to the VPN, or mapping your filespace, you may need to temporarily disable your firewall. If in doubt, contact the Service Desk.
13. Does VPN offer virus protection?
No. Although the VPN provides secure access to your filespace and to university resources by encrypting data, you must still have up-to-date antivirus software on your laptop/PC.
Note: You will be unable to install the VPN components if you do not have anti-virus software installed on your laptop/PC. Listed below are the software packages currently recognised by the VPN:
- AntiVir
- Command Antivirus
- Computer Associates (eTrust)
- Cox
- ESET
- FRISK (F-Prot)
- F-Secure
- Kaspersky
- Microsoft (OneCare, Forefront)
- Network Associates (McAfee)
- Panda (ClientShield)
- Softwin (BitDefender)
- Symantec (Norton)
- Trend Micro (OfficeScan, PC-Cillin)
- V-Com (System Suite)
- ZoneLabs (ZoneAlarm)
14. How do I know when I am connected to my filespace?
If you have chosen to map your filespace as a drive on your laptop/PC (Windows XP/2000 users only), you will see the portal activity icon (blue and yellow arrows) in the system tray (bottom right of your screen, next to the clock).
15. How long can I stay connected via VPN?
You can stay connected to the VPN as long as you wish. The VPN connection will automatically disconnect after 1 hour of inactivity; however, we recommend that you get into the habit of “logging out” when you are finished with your session, particularly if you are in the habit of leaving your laptop/PC unattended. This action will automatically disconnect you from your filespace and close your VPN session.
16. Are there plans to develop the service further?
Later phases of the VPN project will
- expand the availability of Library and web resources
- allow you to access user/group applications
- allow you to connect to shared network drives.
17. Are there any Conditions for using the VPN service?
When connected to the University of Aberdeen network via the VPN, you are bound by the University's Conditions for using IT Facilities [PDF].
18. Does IT Services provide support for the VPN?
Instructions on how to install the VPN components and how to connect to your filespace and to Metalib are provided on this site, both as web pages and as downloadable fact sheets. See the Guidelines for your operating system.
If you experience any difficulties getting started, please consult our Help page before contacting the Service Desk.
19. Does the VPN work with 64bit Windows Vista/Windows 7?
Yes, the VPN works with 64bit versions of Windows; however, you should use the 32bit version of Internet Explorer.
Disclaimer: The VPN software has been extensively tested by IT Services staff on a variety of platforms and operating systems. However, IT Services is not responsible for any software/hardware conflict or failure on personal laptops/PCs that may occur as a result of the VPN installation. If you are in any doubt, please contact the Service Desk before installation.