Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Virtual Private Networks
Suppose you work for a company that has a head office and several remote sites. The company wants to connect
the sites to form one network, and also to allow staff to work from home using the company network. However, the
company doesn't want to go to the expense of running secure dedicated network cables between each person's
home and the company headquarters.
Virtual private networking (VPN)
enables a user to create a secure connection to a remote server by going through
the Internet. A VPN creates a secure tunnel, or pipeline, between a VPN-enabled web server and an individual com-
puter. This tunnel is very difficult to hack, so the connection is safe enough to use for sensitive data.
To connect to a VPN using Microsoft Windows, open the Network and Sharing Center (right-click the network icon in
the notification area and choose Network and Sharing Center, or go through the Control Panel). From there, click Set
Up a New Connection or Network, and click Connect to a Workplace. Choose Use My Internet Connection (VPN), and
then follow the prompts to set up the connection, using the settings provided to you by the owner of the VPN server
(your employer or school, for example).
virtual private networking (VPN)
A method
of creating a secure, private communication tunnel
using a public communications channel such as
the Internet.
Quick Review
1 What is a search engine?
2 What are the three pieces of information contained in a result returned by a search engine?
3 Why is it a good idea to narrow your search results?
4 What is the purpose of a VPN?
