getting started with VPN's

[Sajan Parikh]

On 10/10/2014 05:52 PM, Thufir wrote:
> I've never used a VPN before.  I think with Windows you "log in" to a
> remote pc and move the mouse around?  I've looked at wikipedia, but can't
> really figure out what a VPN is or what it's used for.
>
> How is it different from, in Windows, "logmeinrescue.com" or similar?
>
>
> thanks,
>
> Thufir
>
>

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it basically allows you to 
connect to a network that is "somewhere else".  For example, say you 
have an office with a file server and the file server is only accessible 
to computers on the local, office network.  The file server is not 
openly accessible to anyone outside of the office, because anyone 
outside of the office would not be part of the office network.

However, a VPN can be used for people to connect INTO the office and 
basically be a part of the local, office network over the internet from 
a remote location.  Then the file server would think you are on the 
local network and give you access.

That is just one example.  In short, it allows your computer to connect 
to a network that is "somewhere else" using some sort of VPN protocol, 
of which there are many.  PPTP, L2TP, IPSEC, OpenVPN, etc.

------------

I think your question about logmeinrescue.com and being able to move the 
mouse around is a misunderstanding on your part.  That is more along the 
lines of "Remote Access", and that basically allows you to take over a 
computer's video, keyboard, and mouse using a related protocol, one of 
which being VNC, which is what you might be thinking of.  Another one is 
called RDP.

Sajan Parikh



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