One of the most important security improvements in Windows Vista is the built-in VPN client. Before the introduction of the VPN client, setting up a Virtual Private Network was a complicated and often laborious process that required you to physically connect your computer to a separate device (such as a VPN Server) to set it up. With the VPN client, all you need to do if you want to create a VPN connection is select “VPN client” from the connection menu and follow the on-screen instructions. In this guide, we will show you how to setup a VPN client on your Vista machine so you can connect and securely access resources from home, office, or anywhere else through a VPN connection.

Step 1. Install the VPN Client

The first thing you need to do if you want to setup a VPN client is to download and install the VPN client from Microsoft. You can download the VPN client here. After you download and install it, you will see a new entry in the Microsoft Windows Vista Start Menu under the heading VPN (Virtual Private Network).

You can also access the VPN client from the Microsoft Windows Vista Control Panel. Right-click on the computer name near the clock in the bottom right corner of the desktop and select “Connection Manager” to open up the Connection Manager. If you are running Vista Home Premium or Ultimate, this screen will come up immediately after you restart your computer (without needing to connect a cable).

Step 2. Configure the VPN Client

Once you have installed the VPN client, you should see a “VPN Connections” screen. If you click on this screen, you will see a list of all the VPN connections that are installed on your computer. You can create as many VPN connections as you want and give them all custom names. If you click the “Default” entry in the list, you will see a screen that looks like this:

Now that you have your VPN connection set up, you need to configure it. To do this, click on the Custom menu in the VPN client and select “Configure.” This will bring up the following screen:

Step 3. Use the VPN Client

After you have configured your VPN connection, you can use it anywhere in Microsoft Windows. Just open up the VPN client and click the “Disconnect” button to disconnect from the current network (if you are currently connected to one).

Then, you can click the “Connect” button to connect to a VPN server (if you have one nearby) or to the Internet through a proxy server. When you connect to a VPN server, all your network traffic (including that which you send over the Internet) is encrypted so your identity cannot be intercepted while it travels to and from your computer. If you are running Windows Vista, this option will be available under the “VPN” option in the Connection menu.

More Information

If you want to learn more about VPN and how to secure your network connections using a VPN, you can read these articles:

• The Ultimate Guide to VPN

  This is a complete guide to VPNs that will teach you everything you need to know about Virtual Private Networks. You will learn about the various types of VPNs (including free and open source solutions) and you will be able to select the best one for your needs and budget.

  Why Should You Use a VPN?

  Setting up a VPN is one of the best ways to ensure that your network traffic is encrypted and protected. If you are connecting to a public Wi-Fi network while traveling or at home, all your network traffic is at risk, as the person running the Wi-Fi network could potentially intercept your communications and see what you are doing online. A VPN encrypts all your network traffic before it travels, protecting you from snoopers (even those at the network level) and providing you with the security of a virtual private network even if you are not technically located within one.

  How to Setup a VPN Server

  If you are looking to set up a VPN server at home, the first thing you will need to do is purchase a VPN service plan from a reputable provider. Then, you can follow the instructions in this guide to install and configure a VPN server.