Using the VPN

Once connected to your VPN, there are several tasks that you might do. (To set up a VPN, check with someone such as your Tech Coordinator)

Currently, the biggest use for a VPN is for teachers to access Zangle! and their grades from home. You also need it to edit your SiteBuilder Pages. People who do IEPs need it for access to them. I would use a flash drive for moving files back and forth rather than VPN. I'd use the VPN for Zangle, SiteBuilder access and emergency file transfer and little else. (although as a Tech Coordinator, I use it to access computers at school for other functions. If I did IEPs, I would use it for that.))

What is a VPN?

A VPN (or Virtual Private Network) is a connection from your computer in the 'outside world' (ie. your home) to a network where security would otherwise not allow your connection. It allows you to work at home, or while travelling, on your computer connected to the resources that you normally see at school. It can be set up on both Macintosh and Windows computers.

How do you get one / install one?

• The district now has a site that will install it automatically. You must log in with your district ID and password, then follow the instructions. I recently did it with a new Windows 7 installation. It worked well, but I had to do what it said to 'trust' the site. https://vpn.asdk12.org This should work for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. I do not know if it works for Macintosh or not.
• At SAHS, see the tech coordinator for an installation CD and instructions.

If I'm told that it's installed, how do I use it?

Many of the laptops now have the 'Cisco Client' installed and configured already on your computer. If that is the case, you are ready to connect, but you still must connect each time that you want to use it.

• Find the program. On Macs, it should be in called 'VPNClient' and it should be near the bottom of the Application folder. You might want to drag it to your Dock so that you have a shortcut to it. On Dells, look under All Programs, Cisco Systems VPN Client, VPN Client.
• Run the program. If you see a Connection Entry listed already similar to ASD VPN Connection, click on it and click Connect. If you do not see the entry, talk to your tech person for instructions on setting it up.
• You will need to 'authenticate' with your schooldistrict id (last_first) and your e-mail password. It should then say that you are connected.

You should now be able to access sites within the district firewall, including the Zangle log-in page and you should be able to connect to the school server (instructions for macs) and access your files there.

• When you are done, you should click 'Disconnect'

How do you do things with it, once it is set up?

• An old page with comments on the use of a VPN. Basically correct, but could use some editing.

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