Virtual Private Networks, are more commonly referred to as VPN's where referenced on the interne. A VPN is a network riding on publicly-available telecom infrastructure like the Internet, to provide businessses, individuals, and groups a safe and secure connection to an in-house network. VPN is like renting your very own internet line at a fraction of the costs.

VPN uses Internet protocols, termed tunnels that only permit password enabled computers access to the tunnel. Through a VPN, computers send and receive encrypted data through the tunnel. The tunnel is locked to anyone outside the network that tries to access it.VPN is a powerful tool to secure data for individuals and businesses. VPN was originally brought forward to prevent data thieves and hackers from accessing confidential information on specific networks. Advancements in VPN protocols and tools continue even now to try and further enhance the security abilities of VPN.

VPN set-up instructions for Windows XP and 7: The instructions are pretty straight forward, but are only for the operating systems listed. It is recommended that you have your in-house IT staff complete this for you or help you do it.

1. Open your "Control Panel" and click on the "Network and Internet" icon.
2. Select the "Create A New Connection" icon to continue to the set-up wizard.
3. Click "Next" to begin the wizard.
4. Select "Connect To The Network At My Workplace" from the list and click "next"
5. Select the "Virtual Private Network" option and click "Next"
6. Complete the required info in the "Company Name" field and click "Next"
7. Select your option on the "Public Network" section and click "Next"
8. Select the "Do Not Dial The Initial Connection" option.
9. Enter the IP address of your VPN server and click "Next"
10. Select your option on the "Connection Availability" section and click "Next"
11. Click "Finish"

See, not too bad. If you have any questions about setting or your IP address, you probably should not be doing the set-up without help from your network administrator. Good Luck!