Maintain your productivity while you are away from the office! EarthLink VPNLink provides you with seamless remote access to your company's network, including:

• Full intranet access
• Ability to run any application
• Access to corporate network file shares
• Access to corporate email
• Firewall, virus, and spyware protection
• Network-based file backup
• Application distribution
• Secure file storage

This tutorial will introduce you to the features of VPNLink, the EarthLink VPN desktop software. Click "next" to begin.

Introducing WebLink

In addition to the full-featured VPNLink software that you have just installed, we offer WebLink, which lets you access your organization's network using a standard Web browser.

WebLink is a great complement to VPNLink when you need quick access to your network but don't have access to your computer.

Need WebLink access or need more information?

To explore a tutorial explaining the features of WebLink, click here. If you don't currently have access to WebLink, please contact your administrator.

Easy Right-Click Access from the System Tray

You can access all of the features of VPNLink by right-clicking on the
"" icon in the system tray.

Expanded menu options after you sign on

Some menu items such as "Install Applications" and "Backup and Restore" are available only after you sign on.

You can check the status of VPNLink software client by right-clicking on the system tray and choosing Status. At a glance, you can see if VPNLink's features are configured and operating properly.

VPNLink includes an automatic software updater that seamlessly updates your software as changes or enhancements become available. The software updater regularly adds software enhancements, configuration files, and virus definition updates.

When you sign on to EarthLink VPN, VPNLink will automatically configure your computer to provide access to your organization's intranet Web sites. Your administrator may even specify an intranet web site as the start page while you are signed on. When you sign off, your computer will return to its normal start page.

VPNLink can automatically reconfigure Microsoft Outlook to access your organization's email server when you sign on to the EarthLink VPN service. When you sign off, Outlook will be returned to its original email configuration.
 

Your administrator can configure your profile to automatically map network-based drive shares, which then are available from My Computer or Windows Explorer. Also, you can manually access additional network resources if you know the server addresses. To have additional network drives automatically map when you sign on, contact your administrator.

In addition to reconfiguring the start page of your browser, your administrator can define desktop shortcuts that appear on your desktop and intranet bookmarks that appear in your browser's Favorites/Bookmarks folder while you are signed on. Again, when you sign off, the bookmarks and shortcuts will be automatically removed from your computer.

Secure local storage for your files

The Private File Area is a secure, encrypted file area on your computer. When you sign on, you can access the Private File Area as a disk drive on your computer. When you sign off, the Private File Area is inaccessible and secure.

To access the Private File Area, double click on My Computer and locate the drive labeled Private.

Integrated File Backup

EarthLink VPN includes network-based file backup, which provides an easy and elegant way to back up your critical work. Most users begin with 100MB of online storage space.

In addition to backing up individual files as the need arises, you can select files and folders to be backed up on a regular schedule.

Integrated

Application Distribution lets you install work-approved software on your computer.

The applications listed in the Application Installation window are authorized by your organization for distribution to remote users.

If your organization requires the installation of an application (e.g., antivirus software), you will not be permitted to sign on to your organization's network until the application is installed and operating.

Stay safe with comprehensive antivirus protection

Organizations typically require antivirus protection for remote users. VPNLink includes comprehensive integrated antivirus protection.

Support for multiple antivirus products

If you already have supported antivirus software, we will automatically recognize and integrate it into our security infrastructure. We support antivirus products from McAfee, Norton, and Trend.

If you do not have antivirus software installed on your computer or you wish to update the antivirus software that you do have, we provide McAfee VirusScan at no additional cost for use with the service through the Application Distribution feature.

Your company may require a specific antivirus program

Since your administrator has the ability to define the acceptable antivirus programs for use with the EarthLink VPN service, you may be required to use a specific antivirus product in order to access your organization's network.

Automatic Protection

VPNLink includes an integrated firewall on your computer that operates when you are connected to your organization's network.

No configuration necessary

Since your administrator defines the rules by which the firewall operates, you do not need to configure any settings or otherwise operate the firewall software.

Co-exists with Personal Firewall software

VPNLink firewall is designed to peacefully co-exist with other personal firewall software, such as ZoneAlarm or Windows XP's Firewall. When you sign off, VPNLink firewall goes into an inactive mode and does not interfere with other personal firewalls on your system. Some personal firewalls, such as the popular ZoneAlarm firewall, may require special configuration instructions in order to operate correctly with VPNLink firewall. Please refer to the Help file for specific configuration information.

Network Access Restrictions

On occasion, you may find that your remote access has been restricted due to a violation of a remote access policy. If so, you will be presented with the Support Center, which explains and provides instructions for resolving the problem.

Example: If your company requires antivirus software, your access will be restricted if your antivirus software is not detected.

While you are in the Support Center, VPNLink maintains a support connection with our network, so our personnel can help you troubleshoot problems and re-establish access.

If you have any questions about using EarthLink VPN, please contact your company's VPN administrator.

Note: To ensure the safety of your company's network, all support requests or questions must come from your company's VPN administrator or the billing contact on file with EarthLink.