Rice VPN 3000: What do I need to get started?
To use the VPN, you need:
- A computer running one of the following operating systems:
- MacOS X*
- Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, or 2000
- Solaris (Intel or SPARC)
- Linux
- A VPN 3000 account; application process requires a Rice Photo ID card (see below)
- VPN 3000 software (available only to Rice VPN 3000 account holders)
*NetLock for Mac OS 8 and 9 is available under a separate license through Carl Furra or the Help Desk; see the Netlock page to determine if this is the appropriate solution (IT recommends upgrading to Mac OS X where possible). If your operating system is not listed above, Rice IT is unaware of the existence of any compatible VPN client for that operating system.
We recommend that you run the latest service release of any of these operating systems. For your security and that of all computers at Rice, apply all "critical updates" provided by your operating system vendor. If you do not install the critical updates, malicious Internet users may be able to read or write files on your computer and possibly take control of your computer through hidden scripts downloaded in web pages, making it a threat to Rice network security and other computers on the Internet. If you need assistance in performing this maintenance on your computer, please contact the Help Desk
Getting a VPN Account
To secure your Rice VPN 3000 account, use the on-line application process at apply.rice.edu.
Follow the prompts to apply for a new account. If this is your first time at the Apply page, click the Account Application link then the Login or Continue buttons. You will be prompted to create a NetID password. You may then create a VPN account. Your personal password for the VPN 3000 system will be the NetID password, unless you indicate that you do not want to link the passwords.
If you have visited the Apply page before and you already have a NetID (or LOLA) password, you may proceed immediately to create a VPN account. Click the Login link to log in with your username and NetID, then Account Application. Your VPN 3000 account password will be the NetID password, unless you indicate that you do not want to link the passwords.
Confirm your VPN 3000 account. Visit the Help Desk at the Mudd building room 103 with your Rice photo ID. The staff on duty will check your ID and confirm your account. Your VPN 3000 account will be ready approximately 3 hours after confirmation.
You will need to download the VPN 3000 software once your account is ready. Please follow the Installation Instructions to download, install and configure VPN 3000 on your computer. VPN 3000 download information is only available to Rice VPN 3000 account holders.
Note: VPN 3000 accounts are restricted to current faculty, students, and staff (including "complimentary staff").
