VPN on Mac??

[hhscr]

I need some input on setting up VPN on the Imac.

My wife is currently using a pc with vpn remote to access her desktop computer at work. Her pc is starting to show signs of needing replacement and she really likes my imac, so i am thinking its time to give her my older imac and i need a new imac.

So any help on whats needed to create the VPN on the imac would be helpful.

[Brains]

The first question is "what VPN type?" There's a lot of different ways to set up a VPN - Cisco's implementation of IPSec, L2TP over IPSec, PPTP (not much of a VPN, from a security standpoint, but Microsoft uses it), OpenVPN, etc. etc. etc.

If you're connecting to a Cisco, L2TP over IPSec, or PPTP, the Mac already has what you need (on Snow Leopard anyway, just looked on mine). You simply go into the System Preferences, and under Network click the + to add a new connection. Pick VPN, choose the type, enter the details (server, username, password, etc.) and you're all set.

For others (ie. OpenVPN) there's usually free software available to make it happen. Many others will distribute a client for the Mac to connect you as well.

[srwatters]

I connect to checkpoint firewalls from my Macs using Snow Leopard's built in feature.

There are also third party solutions from several vendors including Cisco and VPNTracker.

[hhscr]

Sounds like the connection is pretty easy, I will have to get the details from her IT department.

How does the remote desktop connection work? When she logs into her work computer its is as if she is sitting at her PC at work....will this still work the same way with the MAC?

Will it come up in a MAC environment or not?

Will Fusion or Parallels be needed to create the remote connection?

[srwatters]

Go to the Microsoft "Mactopia" web site and download the Remote Desktop Client for OS X and you're good to go...

[hhscr]

Got It!

Thanks Brian and Scott