Connecting to a Network over the Internet

You can create a VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection to connect to a network over the Internet. A VPN provides a secure connection between your computer and the network. The computer to which you want to connect must support a VPN and Internet connection. Before you create a connection, you need to have the name or IP (Internet Protocol) address of the VPN computer. You can use the New Connection Wizard to set up a VPN connection. You only need to set up a VPN connection to a network once. When you are connected, Windows displays a connection icon in the notification area on the taskbar. You can point to the icon to display information about the connection or right-click the icon to perform tasks .

Create a VPN Connection

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to Communications, and then click New Connection Wizard.

Click Next to continue.

Click the Connect To The Network At My Workplace option, and then click Next.

Click the Virtual Private Network Connection option, and then click Next.

Type a name for the connection, and then click Next.

Click an option to use a dial-up connection or other connection (such as a DSL line), and then click Next.

Type the host name or IP address to the computer to which you want to connect, and then click Next.

Click the Anyone's Use option or click the My Use Only option, and then click Next.

Click Finish.

Establish a VPN Connection

Click the Start button, point to Connect To, and then click the dial-up connection name.

Type your assigned user name and password.

To save your user name and password information, select the Save This User Name And Password For The Following Users check box, and then click an option to specify who can use the information.

Click Connect, and then wait for the connection.

When you're done, right-click the Connection icon in the notification area of the taskbar, and then click Disconnect.