How to Setup a VPN Connection in Windows 7

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology lets a computer using a public internet connection join a private network by means of a secure "tunnel" between that machine and the network. The most common of implementing this method is when a business allows its employees to connect to the work network away from work. To connect your machine to a virtual private network, there are two principal ways. The first and most common scenario, called outgoing, is to set up a remote computer with access to the office network. The second scenario, called incoming, which occurs on the work network, where a computer is allowed to securely connect to other computers outside of the network.

Windows 7 comes preloaded with the Agile VPN client, which makes setting up either kind of connection relatively easy. (Note that if you are using Windows 8, the following Windows 7 configuration steps are similar to Windows 8 desktop environment)

Setting up a VPN Connection in Windows 7

1. Click the Start button and in the search bar type "Network and Sharing"
   

   Once you are in the Network and Sharing Center window, click the link "Set up a new connection or network".
2. Click "Connect to a workplace" > Next
   
3. How do you want to connect? Select "Use my Internet connection (VPN)"
   
4. Depending on the VPN server you are trying to connect, fill the first field (Internet Address) with the server address.
   Note: This address can be either a IP address like (89.238.132.204) or a URL (uk1.vpn.surf) 
   Enter what you prefer in the second field (Destination name) as a name for your new VPN connection > Next
   
   These are the VPN Surf server locations:
   ca1.vpn.surf
   fr1.vpn.surf
   de1.vpn.surf
   nl1.vpn.surf
   ro1.vpn.surf
   uk1.vpn.surf
   us-ch1.vpn.surf
   us-ny1.vpn.surf
   us-sj1.vpn.surf
   
5. Type your VPN account credentials (you can get account credentials by purchasing a VPN subscription) and when finished, click Connect.
   
6. If you haven't checked the don't want to connect now checkbox in step 4, It will establish a connection to the VPN server and verify your username and password automatically.
   Note: The connection type priority is: SSTP, PPTP, L2TP in this process, it will choose one of them automatically.
   
   It takes a couple of seconds (If all went well and there are no problem with credentials and VPN server, you are connected!)
   

How to Disconnect and reconnect to a created VPN?

• To disconnect from a VPN connection, Click the network icon in taskbar, select the VPN connection in the list of available networks and connections, and then click Disconnect.
  
  
• To connect to the same VPN connection whenever you need to then simply click connect.
  

If you are facing any problem with the installation/configuration, feel free to comment below.