Glossary

V

 What is a virtual private network (VPN)?

A virtual private network (VPN) allows you to temporarily create or join a private network across an existing public network. It does so by creating an encrypted tunnel between two hosts while the connection is needed. This tunnel allows you to transfer information and access remote resources securely. Although several VPN protocols exist, two have become the most prevalent: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) and IP Security Protocol (IPSec). IU Bloomington and IUPUI support the PPTP protocol.

However, VPN services at IUB and IUPUI support only the TCP/IP network protocol suite for communication over the PPTP connection. Other protocols which are supported on the campus networks (e.g., IPX/SPX, AppleTalk) will not function over the VPN. As a result, you will not be able to map network drives to some network file servers (e.g., the Bookbag system) while connected via VPN.

VPN services at IUB and IUPUI serve two primary purposes. VPN can be used to provide authentication and encryption for wireless network users. In addition, VPN allows users from off-campus networks to authenticate and act as part of the IU network. Once authenticated, these off-campus users are able to access IP-restricted resources (e.g., library databases) and connect to network file servers.

For more information about VPN services at IU, visit the UITS Data Network Services page at:

  http://www.indiana.edu/~uits/telecom/data/index.html

Also see:

• In Windows 2000, how can I configure my computer to use a VPN?
• In Windows NT 4.0, how can I configure my computer to use a VPN?
• In Windows 98 and 98SE, how can I configure my computer to use a VPN?
• In Windows 95, how can I configure my computer to use a VPN?
• In Windows Me, how can I configure my computer to use a VPN?
• At IUPUI, using the wireless network or remote VPN, why can't I map a drive to my Bookbag account?
• Using a Lucent ORiNOCO wireless card in my laptop computer, why am I sometimes not able to connect?
• At IUPUI, using Linux, how do I make a VPN connection?

What is the UITS Virtual Server (VS) service?

The UITS Virtual Server (VS) service provides file and print services from a central location at IU. UITS owns and maintains the service, provided by BL-UITS-Bison, a Windows 2000 server. VS is intended for departments that aren't large enough to warrant their own server to provide file and print services, or that don't have a computing support provider or other personnel with the required skills or experience to maintain a server. The cost of the service depends on the amount of disk space the department requests.

VS service includes:

• Microsoft file and print sharing over TCP/IP
• Disk space for personal or shared departmental file storage
• Windows print queues for printers configured for TCP/IP printing
• Use of ADS Domain accounts for easier account maintenance
• Setup of additional network shares to meet customer needs

VS service does not include:

• NetWare or IPX/SPX connectivity to BL-UITS-Bison
• Central printing services (All printing will be done via JetDirect cards or departmentally owned and administered print servers.)
• Built-in universal access to software
• Housing databases

For more information about the Virtual Server (VS) service, see:

  http://www.indiana.edu/~lanlab/misc/vserver.shtml

If you have questions regarding this service, e-mail  lansup@indiana.edu .

Also see:

• How can I access shared files in another user's CFS space?
• What is the Common File System (CFS) service?
• Using Microsoft Windows NTFS permissions, how do I add and remove users and give them access to shares?

What is virtual memory?

Virtual memory is a method of making a computer seem to have more Random Access Memory (RAM) than it actually does. By reallocating available disk space, the operating system of the computer transparently swaps chunks of memory to and from the hard disk.

The advantage of doing this is that larger application programs can be loaded, more applications can be used simultaneously, and the programs have more space to store their data. A drawback of virtual memory is that it slows down system operation and is limited to the amount of disk space that is free on the system. Virtual memory is implemented on most major computer operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Unix, OS/2, and VMS.

Also see:

• For Microsoft Windows 3.1, what is the minimum system configuration?
• On a PC, what is the difference between extended and expanded memory?
• In Windows 3.x, what is the maximum swap file size I can use?
• In Mac OS, why is the system software taking up so much memory?
• On a PC, what are the differences between various kinds of memory?
• What is the purpose of the PAGEFILE.SYS file in Windows NT 4.0?
• For Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, how much memory do I need?
• In Windows 98, how do I turn virtual memory on or off?