A VPN (virtual private network) is a fast and efficient way to connect to the internet securely and, well, privately. Connecting your VPN to windows 7 or 8 allows anyone to connect without restrictions and unblock many blocked site like Netflix and Hulu. Windows 7 provides an easy to set up wizard that walks you through step by step and Windows 8 is much simpler to install.
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Setting up a VPN on Window 7 and Windows 8 on your computer can be done in one of two ways, either through a VPN service or through your company network/router. Since VPNs require a username and password (which is not the same as your pc username and password), these are the only two options you have.
There are essentially two types of VPNs: Incoming and Outgoing. Incoming allows the network server to access your pc, like when you call for a repair and they control your computer to repair it. Unless you work for a company that needs access to the files on your computer, this is not at all a recommended set up. The other is Outgoing which is you connecting your PC to the network server. A company network server/router or a VPN service is the ideal way to connect with a VPN.
Setup a VPN on Windows 7
The Steps:
1.) The quickest way to access the setup module is to click on the start button and type in ‘VPN’ in the search box. This will pull up “Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection” window in the wizard and avoid having to go to Control Panel and the network setup steps.
2.) In the ‘Create a VPN Connection’ window, enter the IP address and domain, or destination, name of the network you are creating the connection with.
Note: This would be provided by the network administrator or the VPN service provider.
At this point you have three options. You can either a.) Click on use a smart card; b.)Click on “Allow other people to use tis connection”; or c.) Click on “Don’t connect now; just set up so I can connect later.
Choosing A will most likely stop your computer from running as there is an issue with the smart cards. The B option allows other people who may use your computer to connect to the VPN as well. The C option allows you to finish setting up the VPN without connecting automatically.
3.) Here’s the ‘rub’ step (not dub step). You need a username and password. Without this, your VPN WILL NOT WORK. This can be obtained either from your network administrator at work or through a VPN service that either offers a VPN connection with their user name and password. Stop here and go get a VPN service provider/username and password. If you have one,–fabulous! Enter this and the domain name in the VPN connection box.
4.) Before you click connect and once you have entered your username and password click on the properties tabs. Open the Security tab and make sure it looks like this:
This will ensure that you connect with the proper tunnels. Click ‘OK’.
5.) In the system tray you will see the bars for your wireless connection. When you click on this you will get a box that look something like this:
Click on the “VPN Test Connection” to connect.
You will have to enter your username and password again. You are no on your way to enjoying the internet unrestricted and access free.
Setup a VPN on Windows 8
Setting up a VPN in Windows 8 is even easier than Windows 7. Win8 decided to make the tunnel choice step automatic, so you don’t have to guess. There’s also a ‘Remember My Credentials’ feature which remembers the login information so you don’t have to authenticate each time you want to log in.
1.) To launch the ‘Get Connected’ wizard, type VPN in ‘Settings’. Click ‘Set up a virtual private network (VPN) connection’.
2.) From this wizard you will have to enter the IP address or the domain name of the VPN server you are connecting to. Once you have entered the IP address or domain name, click create.
3.) Open ‘Charms’ and click settings. Then click the network icon.
4.) Once in ‘Network’ select the VPN connection you set up. Remember to click ‘Remember Credentials’ in order to not have to authenticate each time you connect the VPN.
Once you click ‘OK’ that’s it, you’re in. Open up a window and go to a web site just to verify that you’re connected correctly, like Yahoo or PayPal. SURF ON!!!
Well, that’s it. If you need any further assistance in setting up your VPN on either Windows 7 or 8, you can leave a comment below or contact us
