Macintosh VPN Client (OS 10.2)
Computers using Mac OS 10.2 have the VPN client 'built-in' and you don't need to install additional software.
The VPN software is run from the Internet Connect utility.
You will already have used this to make your existing internet connection.
- Launch Internet Connect (this is usually found in the Application folder, but you can drag it to the Dock as a shortcut)
This will look similar to the image below, and contains the internet settings you have already entered for your ISP.
- Click File (on the top line of the Mac screen) and select New VPN Connection Window
This opens the VPN Connection window as shown below.
- In the Server address box, type: vpn.shef.ac.uk
In the User name and Password boxes type your Remote Access username and password - both must be typed in lower case.
It does not matter if you tick the box Add to Keychain or not.
NOTE: YOU MUST BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET BEFORE you click the Connect button.
The Status will change from 'Idle' > 'Contacting vpn server' > 'Negotiating' > 'Authenticating' > 'Connected ' with the time connected shown in brackets. You now have a secure connection to the University of Sheffield.
To disconnect, click the Disconnect button.
You need to re-type your Remote Access password each time you want to make a VPN connection as there is no Save Password option. [Even though the password box displays a line of dots, it has not saved your password!]
Occasionally it will not connect, even though you know you have typed your password correctly. This is quite normal. Just type the password again and it should work.