Remote Access Options and Procedures

This document outlines several options for accessing resources on your network. Each choice has benefits, and we are happy to assist you in creating the best options for your needs.

Email / Calendar / Public Folder

Both Microsoft Exchange and Novell Groupwise provide secure, encrypted access to your messaging system through a Web browser, such as Firefox, Internet Explorer, or Netscape. Most ISPs (internet service providers) who host email also provide such an interface.

The main advantage of “Web Access” systems is they require only a Web browser and an Internet connection. Resources can be accessed using a URL, or Web address, such as http://webmail.yourfirm.com, provided by the system administrator. Pages generally download quickly even over a slow connection.

Terminal Services / Citrix / RDP

These protocols establish a virtual session on a remote server. A virtual session means that the actual session is running on the server while the user receives screen updates and sends input through a keyboard and/or mouse.

The advantages of terminal services connections include speed, security, and simplicity. Whatever one is working on – from documents to an accounting system – is saved on your server.

Unless you are using Citrix (an add-on to Terminal Services), however, it is difficult to save the information you are working on to the remote client computer. As an example, if one is editing a document, it will remain on the server unless emailed to the user’s remote computer.

VPN (virtual private network) / FTP (file transfer protocol)

VPN and FTP connections allow a remote user to “map” a virtual drive connection to a remote server. For instance, one could set up a drive connected to data in a shared folder on the server.

VPN provides a secure connection from an insecure network (typically the Internet) to a secure network. It operates securely through a firewall. FTP operates in a similar fashion, but is not secured in the same way as a VPN.

Terminal Services Setup and Configuration

Before taking these steps, please double-check with your system administrator that your server is configured for TS access.

• If you have MS Windows XP Professional, the TS/RDP client can be found by going to: Start > All Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Client

• If you have MS XP Home, or an earlier version of Windows, a MAC, or Linux, you will need to download the client from: http://www.microsoft.com/terminalservices/

· Choose the Downloads link in the middle of the page (not the one on the sidebar) and choose Remote Desktop Connection for Windows Server 2003 Software Download or the appropriate client for your MAC or Linux computer.

· Choose the download link on the right side of your page and install the software after it has been downloaded. Choose all of the defaults and you will find the software installed in the same folder as listed above.

· Open the RDP client, enter the address of your remote server; choose options, and add your name and domain. We do not recommend adding your password, since anyone could then access your information on your server. Choose Save As and save this as a name and in a location where you will find it, such as My Documents or on your desktop.

· Open up your newly created icon and login to your server. At this point, you should have access to all of your normal information. When logging off of your server, there are two important distinctions:

1) Selecting the [x] at the top of the screen will close your session but will not log you off. If you leave programs running in your session, such as accounting or email, those files could become damaged if the server is restarted. Under most circumstances, it is better to:

2) Logoff the computer as normal: Start > Shutdown > Logoff. In this way, your programs will be closed and saved correctly

Microsoft VPN Setup and Configuration

Before taking these steps, please double-check with your system administrator that your server is configured for VPN access.

MS Windows XP

• Open Network Connections from the Control Panel or right-click on My Network Places on the desktop, and choose Properties.
• Select New Connection Wizard and choose Connect to the Network at My Workplace; then choose Virtual Private Network connection.
• Name this connection (whatever you like), select Do Not Dial the initial connection, and then add the IP address of your network.
• Select Add a Shortcut and then select finish; a dialog box will request your login credentials.
• Choose Properties, the Networking tab, Internet Protocol TCP/IP, then Properties again; select the Advanced button and unselect the checkbox to Use Default Gateway on Remote Network.
• Select OK three times, then add your user name and password. Saving your password is a high security risk and is not recommended.
• Connect to the remote network and use the batch file created by your administrator to map drives and access email.

MS Windows 2000

• Open Network Connections from the Control Panel or right-click on My Network Places / Network Neighborhood on the desktop, and choose Properties
• Select Make New Connection and choose Connect to a Private Network through the Internet.
• Add the IP address of your network, select through the next choices, and give a name to the connection.
• Select Add a Shortcut, and then select finish; a dialog box will request your login credentials.
• Choose Properties, the Networking tab, Internet Protocol TCP/IP, then Properties again; select the Advanced button, and unselect the checkbox to Use Default Gateway on Remote Network.
• Select OK three times, then add your user name and password. Saving your password is a high security risk and is not recommended.
• Connect to the remote network and use the batch file created by your administrator to map drives and access email.