Computing From Off-Campus
Access From Off-Campus
Brandeis offers the ability to connect to network resources from off-campus. Some of these resources include email, file servers, and electronic library resources. Just as with using these resources on campus, you must have a UNet Account to access them from off campus. Please go to https://unet.brandeis.edu to open a UNet account if you do not already have one. Additionally, many of these resources can only be accessed if you have Internet service off campus. Brandeis does not provide an Internet connection to users who are home or traveling. We do, however, recommend internet service providers for your home.
Email
If you do not have a mail program (client) installed and in use at home, you may either configure one, or simply access your email from your web browser at https://unet.brandeis.edu/imp/. If you would like to set up a mail program, first choose a program from our list of recommended programs. Then, look for your program in our directions on how to set up email clients.
Using the SSL VPN
You can now access network resources on campus from home in a fast, user-friendly manner. The SSL VPN is a Virtual Private Network using Secure Sockets Layer for encryption. This is the same encryption used for on-line banking and shopping. All communication using the VPN is securely encrypted between your computer off-campus and the VPN gateway at Brandeis. You don't have to install any special software. The VPN runs through your web browser. It can be used to access files stored on Brandeis servers and to connect to your work computer from home.
Accessing Files Stored on the Campus Network
You can use the SSL VPN from off-campus to access files stored in your UNet space or other shared folders on omega. You can create files and save them on the server, and you can read or edit existing files. Using the SSL VPN you can have access to any file stored on the campus servers. Click this link for instructions.
Setting up Remote Desktop Connection and Using the SSL VPN RDC client
LTS supports Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) a protocol that allows you to remotely connect to your desktop via the SSL VPN RDC client. Due to security concerns we require that you have windows firewall turned on and set to block unrestricted access. Please follow the instructions on
this page to configure your work computer for RDC (if you access your work computer from a Mac,
use this page). RDC from off-campus is only permitted using the SSL VPN.
Web Resources
In addition to email, many other resources on the Brandeis network can be accessed through a Web interface, notably electronic journals and publications hosted by the
Brandeis University Library and Technology Services. Click
this link for information.
The Internet
We have suggested Internet Service Providers (ISP), to make it easier for you to find one. In general, your ISP will provide you with a phone number that you will dial with your modem to get Internet access on your home computer. High speed Internet involves an always-on connection to which you will not have to dial in.
Most ISPs also offer an email account, which you can forward to your Brandeis account or vice versa. Usually they charge a setup fee to create your account, and then a monthly charge.
With dial-up access, if you travel frequently or are planning to go on sabbatical, be sure to visit the ISP's website to find phone numbers that will be local in the area to which you are traveling.
Internet Service Provider Suggestions
- Galaxy Internet Services: 56K, very cheap, local for MA
- Comcast (formerly AT&T Broadband)
- RCN
- Earthlink
- America OnLine is a popular choice, but because of peculiarities with their proprietary software, we cannot recommend them. AOL does not coexist easily with other web browsers and therefore we recommend against using AOL if you take classes at Brandeis that use WebCT. The AOL web browser may or may not work with WebCT.
