OpenVPN Support Forum

Hi everyone,

I am new to VPN. I have several assumptions that may or may not be true. One assumption is that using OpenVPN I can in theory connect to the OpenVPN servers to assure myself of a reasonably safe connection when on wifi, can connect to my computer remotely to access files and finally, that my connection will actually be safe. Believing that to be truth I am seeking assistance on how I can in the easiest manner have open vpn up and running on my computer. I am seeking a tutorial that is very simplified and straight forward. Can someone please help out?

If this has been covered or I am in the wrong forum I apologize.

Hello,

You're almost there.

http://openvpn.net/index.php/open-sourc ... howto.html

Regards,
Stephen

Do I need a static IP for OpenVPN?

Not necessarily. You can also use one of the free dynamic dns services to track the IP address of your server.

-Stephen

Ok, I will look into that.

Now for some basics that I keep getting hung up on. I am confused about the client server relationship. I have a desktop for home use and a laptop for when im out. would I set up my desktop as a server that my laptop would connect to when im away that in turn connects me to the openvpn network (3 computers in total, my laptop --> my desktop --> openvpn) or can I just have my desktop connect to open vpn (2 computers, my desktop --> openvpn) ?

I guess what I am asking is what computer is the client, what computer is the server and what do I need to do to get them to all communicate with each other.

please forgive my ignorance but this is something I really want to do and appreciate any help.

The server/client relationship really comes down to where the initiator needs to be. In your case, the laptop being the more portable device, it would logically be considered the client device.

It sounds like you want a basic, routed configuration. vpn client <- vpn network -> vpn server <- server network.

This is well documented in the how-to. If you have questions after you've implemented what is described, please check back.

Regards,
Stephen