Using a machine configured for Cambridge elsewhere

If you can use the VPDN service

You can use the VPDN service if there is a suitable client for your system.

Using the VPDN service allows your machine to appear to be on the CUDN. This means that you will not need to reconfigure other aspects of your computer (e.g. your email program). You will also retain access to CUDN-only web pages and services.

If you can't use the VPDN service

The tips below apply when you are using an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to get Internet access and you are not able to use the VPDN service.

• if your machine is using the University DNS servers, you will need to reconfigure it to use those of your ISP. See documentation provided by your ISP for details.
• email access
  • you should not have problems reading your email
  • if your mail program (e.g. Thunderbird, Outlook) is configured to use the Hermes SMTP server you should be able to continue to do so when you are away - see email program settings for Hermes to check your configuration. However, some ISPs have blocks that mean you will not be able to use Hermes to send mail. If you find this is the case then you will need to reconfigure your computer to use your ISP's SMTP server (see your ISP's documentation for details). Some ISPs use secure authentication but many do not, so you are likely to need to turn off security and authentication options for SMTP and turn them on again when you are back in Cambridge.
• certain CUDN-only web pages (that do not use Raven authentcation) services will not be available to you.

Last updated: April 2012