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This information applies to pages in the CSUN template system. Windows-press ALT + an access key. Macintosh-press CTRL + an access key.

The following access keys are available:
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VPN for Macs

Virtual Private Network (VPN) Software – Mac OS X Leopard (10.5) / Tiger (10.4) Installation and Configuration Instructions

These instructions are intended to provide students, faculty and staff members with instructions for downloading the VPN software to their computers.

Note: If you require additional assistance, please contact the University Help Desk

Download VPN Software:

  1. Go to the software download page at: https://www.csun.edu/itr/downloads/index.cgi. (See Figure 1, below)
  2. Figure 1
  3. Log in with user id and password
  4. Log in using your user ID and password.
  5. From the software downloads page, select the "Cisco Systems Virtual Private Network (VPN) Client 4.9" Mac OS X. (See Figure 2, below). Click “Download.”
  6. Figure 2
  7. Mac OS X sofware download list
  8. From your desktop, double-click the Cisco VPN Client installer icon (See Figure 3, below).
  9. Figure 3: VPN Client installation icon
  10. Cisco VPN Client icon
  11. A window will open that says, “Run the Above Installation Package to Install the VPN Client.” (See Figure 4, below).
  12. Figure 4
  13. Install VPN client message
  14. Double-click on the picture of the package.
  15. The next screen will say, “This package contains a program that determines if the software can be installed. Are you sure you want to continue?” Click “Continue” (See Figure 5, below).
  16. Figure 5
  17. Package alert to continue
  18. The “Welcome to the Cisco VPN Client Installer” window. (See Figure 6, below). Click “Continue.”
  19. Figure 6
  20. VPN client installer welcome window
  21. Next you will see the software license agreement screen. Read it, then click “Continue.” (See Figure 7, below).
  22. Figure 7
  23. License Agreement
  24. The next window carries the message, “To continue installing the software, you must agree to the terms of the software license agreement.” (See Figure 8, below). Click “Agree.”
  25. Figure 8
  26. Agree or Disagree to terms
  27. Now, you will be asked to select a destination. (See Figure 9, below). Click “Macintosh HD,” then “Continue.”
  28. Figure 9
  29. Select the destination of program files
  30. The next screen will say, “Easy install on Mac HD. “ (See Figure 10). Click “Install.”
  31. Figure 10
  32. Easy install on MAC
  33. Authentication screens pops up. Enter your Administrator name and password. (See Figure 11, below). Click “OK.”
  34. Figure 11
  35. Authenticate before install
  36. The Install process begins. (See Figure 12, below).
  37. Figure 12
  38. Install process
  39. The next screen will say, “The software was successfully installed.” (See Figure 13, below). Click “Close.”
  40. Figure 13
  41. VPN install success alert

Configuring VPN software on your computer or laptop

Now that VPN is installed on your computer, you will need to follow a few more steps before you can use it:

  1. Double-click on your hard drive icon (Macintosh HD or other name). (See Figure 1, below).
  2. Figure 1
  3. Mac HD icon
  4. On the left-hand menu click “Applications.” You may have to scroll down to find the VPN Client. Double–click on VPN Client. (See Figure 2, below).
  5. Figure 2
  6. Application window
  7. The CISCO Systems screen will open showing the connection entry. (See Figure 3, below). Click the “New” icon on the Task Bar.
  8. Figure 3
  9. Connection Status
  10. The next screen will ask you to type in specific information about the connection entry. (See Figure 4, below). Type the following:
  11. Figure 4
  12. Create Connection and Group Authentication
  • Connection Entry: CSUN.
  • Description: (optional) You might write, “Connection for school.”
  • Host: vpn.csun.edu (all lower case).
  • Authentication tab should be already selected.
  • Group Authentication radio button should be selected.
  • Name is: csun-vpn (note the ‘dash’ (-) between csun and vpn).
  • Password: csun-vpn
  • Confirm Password field: csun-vpn
  1. Click “Save.”
  2. The next screen shows: CSUN in the connection entry field, Host is vpn.csun.edu and Transport shows IPSec/UPD. (See Figure 5, below).
  3. Figure 5
  4. Transport Type
  5. Double-click on “CSUN.” The VPN Client/User Authentication screen will ask for Username and Password. (See Figure 6, below). Fill in your own User Name and password. Click “OK.”
  6. Figure 6
  7. Enter user name and password
  8. The next screen will show that you are attempting to connect to CSUN. See Figure 7, below). Click “Continue.”
  9. Figure 7
  10. Continue to connect
  11. The last screen will show that you are now connected to VPN. (See Figure 8, below).
  12. Figure 8
  13. CSUN Connection

To Use VPN in the Future:

  1. Open the program by clicking the hard drive icon. (See Figure 9, below).
  2. Figure 9
  3. Mac HD icon
  4. Then select “Applications,” find the VPN Client, and double click on it.

Using VPN, you can securely communicate from home or enjoy the security VPN offers while working on campus. VPN also provides access to your U-Drive and if you are faculty or staff, you can use VPN to access mail clients like: MacMail or Entourage.

To minimize your VPN screen while it is running:

  1. Click on the middle, yellow button at the top left corner of your screen. (See Figure 8, above).

To log off VPN:

  1. Click on the icon for VPN on your dock. (See Figure 10, below).
  2. Figure 10
  3. VPN icon
  4. The screen will reappear.
  5. Click the disconnect icon on the Task Bar (See Figure 11, below).
  6. Figure 11
  7. Disconnect from VP client

Need Help?

For additional information on VPN, consult the VPN online Help option or call the University Help Desk at: (818) 677-1400, or on campus: ext. 1400, email: helpdesk@csun.edu.