Connecting to a VPN

After you have created a VPN connection profile, you can open the connection by simply clicking a shortcut, either on the Windows desktop or in the Network Connections window.

The connection to the distant network or host computer is exactly the same as it would be if you had a direct connection to a computer or network in the same room as your own computer. If you use particular programs, file shares, or other resources on the host network, you can create additional shortcuts that automatically open the VPN link and connect you to that file, folder, or program. Users of other computers on the same LAN can send and receive messages to you by e-mail, instant messaging, and any other service installed on the network. In all respects, your computer is a fully functional part of the network.