FAQ
Getting Connected
What is VPN?
Virtual Private Network. Using a computer over VPN provides the same security as being on campus. Use VPN whenever you are off campus and accessing University-related files and/or databases.
How do I download, install, and open VPN software?
1. Download and Install the appropriate installer:
| Mac Users | Windows Users |
|---|---|
| Mac 10.5 (Leopard) and 10.4 (Tiger) | Windows Vista |
| Mac 10.3 (Panther) and 10.2 (Jaguar) | Windows XP |
Other options and more details…
2. 
Open the Cisco VPN application.
3. 
Click the Connect icon. Use your Internet ID (aka X.500 or email) username and password when prompted.
OK, I’ve made a VPN connection to the University—now what?
Once the VPN connection is established, it will appear that nothing different is happening. However, all network traffic between your computer and the University’s network will now be encrypted. This means that your network connection to the U is secure. The AD servers at the U see your incoming connection as if it were network traffic directly on campus. Be aware that all network activity is routed through the University network while on VPN; this includes web browsing, instant messaging, and music downloads.
Doesn’t VPN slow my network connection?
VPN has adds only a small amount of overhead and should not significantly affect network speed. However, it is intended only for those with broadband (DSL or Cable) Internet service—dial up is not recommended. If your connection seems slow, make sure local network traffic, such as other computers on your network viewing streaming video, are not consuming too much bandwidth. Also, remember that all network traffic on your computer is routed from your Internet service provider, through the University network, and then to the destination.
What is Remote Desktop Connection?
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a small program in Windows XP and Vista that allows you to connect to Microsoft Terminal Servers. Microsoft provides a version of RDC for Macs, also.
What is the Terminal Server?
Microsoft Terminal Server is a special server that allows for multiple users to run private, individual Windows sessions simultaneously. These remote Windows sessions provide you access to your server-based documents (My Documents, Home, and Shared) and common applications like Microsoft Office, Thunderbird, and Firefox. Working on the Terminal Server is just like working on a Windows PC. You can connect to the College’s terminal server from a Mac or PC using Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection.
How do I open Remote Desktop Connection?
Launch the RDC client directly and type in the server name: cla-ts.cla.umn.edu. To launch RDC: from the Windows Start menu, click on Start\Run...
Type “mstsc” and click OK.
In the Remote Desktop Connection dialog box, type "cla-ts.cla.umn.edu" in the Computer field.
If you prefer, you can enable some other features. Click on the "Options" button (or "Preferences" under the RDU menu if you are on a Mac). From here you can modify screen size, mount local drives in your Terminal Server session, and connect to local printers.
Click on Connect.
What is CLA Connect?
CLA Connect is a tool was developed by CLA-OIT to provide Mac users with an easy way to connect to their Home and department Shared folders stored on Active Directory servers.
Where can I get Remote Desktop Connection for a Mac?
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/downloads.mspx
General Questions
What is Active Directory (AD)?
Active Directory (AD) is a computer system the University uses to manage user accounts, servers used for file storage, network printers, security settings, and other “behind-the-scenes” network operations. CLA uses AD to store users’ Home (H:) and Shared (S:) folders. Windows computers are “bound” to the AD network, which provides single-sign-on and the ability to log into multiple computers with the same account. Mac users do not get the same features as Windows users but can use the “CLA AD Connect” tool to mount the Home and Shared folders.
What happened to Novell?
CLA is migrating users off our Novell system to the University’s AD system. This will save the college money and reduce the number of unique usernames and passwords users need to manage since the University Internet ID will work for both email and computer logins.
What if I use both Macs and Windows?
Choose the connection method that you prefer. As long as your data is saved in your AD Home folder or in a departmental Shared folder, you can access your files using either CLA Connect for the Mac or Remote Desktop Client on Macs and PCs.
What if I have a PC at work and a Mac at home (or vice versa)?
If you use a PC at work use the Mac version of RDC from your home Mac to access your files on AD.
If you use a Mac at work use either CLA Connect or RDC from your home PC to access your files on AD. However, Macs currently do not synchronize the “Documents” folder with the server. You will need to save directly to the server-based Home folder to access the files remotely.
What about sabbaticals or long-term travel?
Always have a discussion with your regional tech before you embark on trip or a sabbatical. He or she will be able to customize a plan for your particular needs. Generally, the methods that work for you day-to-day will get you the access you need. However, your laptop will not be backed up without regular connection to the University network. So work with your regional technician to develop a temporary backup plan.
If you will be using a computer at another institution, you can access your Home and Shared folders using either CLA Connect or RDC.
Can I work from a personal computer?
Yes. RDC and CLA Connect are secure methods for accessing your files. They make sure potentially private data is saved only to University servers. Do not copy files with private data to your local computer. Do not email files with private data to yourself to work on them off campus. Please review the University and CLA Securing Private Data policies for more information.
Can I work with private data from off campus?
Yes, with caution. Using Remote Desktop Connection to connect to the CLA’s terminal server is a secure method for working on private data. As long as data remains saved to the Home or Shared folders, Mac users can use CLA Connect to access files with private data.
What about sending files to myself through email?
The connect.cla.umn.edu tools make this process unnecessary. Saving your files to your Home folder and accessing them via RDC or CLA Connect is the most secure practice. Since many users read email on non-supported (e.g. personal or public) computers, emailing files with private data violates University policies.
Can I backup files from off campus?
Manually, yes. Copy individual files and folders to your Home or Shared folders to ensure you have backed up copy. Please note, however, files with private data such as student grades, should not be stored on unsupported computers. These files should be stored only on secure locations like your Home or Shared folders.
For Macs, the CLA Connect tool will place an icon to your Home and Shared folder on your desktop. You can backup important data by dragging and dropping files and folders into these AD folders.
For Windows computers, use RDC to connect to the terminal server. Enable RDC to mount your local drives on the Terminal Server. Within the terminal server you will now be able to move files and folders from your local hard drive (C:) to your active directory folders on the terminal server. Note: do not copy files with private data from the server to your local hard disk.
What about synchronization?
A Windows users primary computer is set to synchronize the local “My Documents” with the Home (H:) folder on the server. This is especially useful for laptop users who take their computer home with them. If you regularly only use a laptop, then you may not need to access the Home or Shared folders routinely from off campus. Your data will synchronize with the University AD servers the next time you log into your computer from a wired Ethernet connection on campus.
What is NetFiles and when should I use it?
NetFiles is a University provided web-based file server system. Storage for NetFiles is separate from your Active Directory Home and Shared folders. It can be a useful location for accessing files over the web and for sharing files securely with other users—both from U of M and elsewhere. The strategies outlined on connect.cla.umn.edu, however, are generally easier to use as they more integrated into your daily work flow.
What happened to NetStorage?
NetStorage was a feature of the Novell file system CLA used for many years. However, CLA is migrating all users and departments to the University’s Active Directory file system. AD does not have an equivalent feature. In addition, using NetStorage leads to a violation of Securing Private Data policy as it requires files be copied to the local hard drive before they are opened.
Need Help Now?
CLA-OIT Helpdesk
Contact us directly:
Phone: 4-HELP(612-624-4357)
E-mail: help@cla.umn.edu
Or
Login