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→Step #2: Actually Setting Up the VPN Connection
=Setting Up up the OpenVPN client Under Ubuntu 10.04 = Installing on 10.04 is similar as below, however, there is a known issue in 10.04 where you put in the settings and after closing the dialogs, the edit dialog has all the certificate filenames replaced with directories from a folder and the custom port checkbox is now unchecked. The suggestion for Amahi Server 10.04 is to try moving those files into a different folder. (e.g. to the Downloads folder). Another folder name, such as "VPN," should probably work fine. If that still doesn't work, try removing the connection and re-do the whole sequence, except point the dialog to the ones in that new folder. =Setting up the OpenVPN client Under Ubuntu 9.10=
Not everyone feels comfortable working from the Linux CLI ('''C'''ommand '''L'''ine '''I'''nterface), and so the alternate set-up instructions for connecting to Amahi's OpenVPN service might seem a bit intimidating to some. Here is a step-by-step tutorial explaining how to get VPN ('''V'''irtual '''P'''rivate '''N'''etworking) running under a GUI ('''G'''raphical '''U'''ser '''I'''nterface) in Ubuntu 9.10, a distribution of Linux.
==STEP Step #2: Actually Setting Up the VPN Connection==
Before we proceed, take note of several things:
# You must download the certificates. They can be found on the [[OpenVPN Client Certificates]] download page. Save each file in your '''/home/[username]''' folder (where "[username]" is your main log-in username).<br/><br/>
# The actual VPN connection must be made from OUTSIDE your home network. You can't test your VPN setup (which presumes, like “E.T.,” that you're trying to “home phone” from somewhere else) if you're still INSIDE your home network. In my case, I explained to my patient neighbors what I needed to do and got permission from them to connect to their Wi-Fi router. (It helped the situation that I've helped fix and de-louse their computer on numerous occaisions.) Thus I could test this while at home, but still be “away” as far as the network was concerned.
All right. You have the files on your hard drive, and you and your laptop are somewhere else (perhaps quaffing a latte at Starbucks or increasing your cholesterol at McDonalds) and you're ready to set up your VPN connection. Here are the steps:
Your Amahi name forms the first part of your Gateway name: '''[Amahiname].yourhda.com'''. Although it's not my real gateway name, for the purposes of this tutorial, I have given a tip of the hat to Isaac Asimov and his Foundation Trilogy. Now provide your hda username and user password. If there's more than one computer user at home, there are probably more than one of these. (This is NOT your overall Amahi .org account name and password.) I've used HariSeldon in this example and, by checking “Display Passwords” below, I've demonstrated that you don't have to “type in dark” when it comes to your password. (Five bonus points are awarded if you know who R. Dos Venabili is, and TEN extra points are awarded if you know what the abbreviation “R.” stands for.)
Now we need to change one or two more settings setting by clicking on the “'''Advanced'''” keybutton, which will bring up the following dialog box. Check (or “tick” as my English friends say) the boxes box which say “'''Use custom gateway port:'''” (leave this at the default of '''1194''') and says “'''Use LZO data compression.'''” (No, I don't have a clue what LZO is; just check the box!) 1194 may be the default even if you don't tick “Use custom gateway port,” but I'm superstitious.
If you look carefully at the wireless-connection icon in the upper panel, you'll see a sort of “spinning doughnut” that pops up a small padlock on every revolution. That means that OpenVPN is attempting to make the secure VPN connection. Be patient. And note that once in a while, the attempt may time out and you'll see something like the following pop-up message:
And note that once in a while, the attempt may time out and you'll see something like the following pop-up message:
[[File:Vpn-21.png|center|“VPN Connection Failed” message.]]
(Note the Spinning Doughnut to the left of the sound/volume icon, above.) If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Note that when you DO connect, your wireless-connection icon will change subtly, showing a padlock over your signal-strength “antenna”:
[[File:Vpn-22.png|center|The VPN connection “padlock” in the wireless-connection icon.]]
If you hover your cursor over that same icon, a pop-out will also give you a confirmation message:
[[File:Vpn-23.png|center|A “word balloon” confirmation of the VPN connection]]
Of course, the “proof of the pudding” is whether or not you can pull up your Amahi server in a browser window by typing “'''http://hda/'''”:
[[File:Vpn-24.png|center|The Amahi server dashboard page – via your VPN connection!|800px]]
Once you see that, you ''know'' you're in. Congratulations!
To disconnect your VPN session, left-click your wireless-connection icon. Choose “VPN Connections” as before, but this time choose “Disconnect VPN.” That's it – your secure session is terminated.
[[File:Vpn-25.png|center|Disconnecting the VPN session]]
If this doesn't work for you, posting questions in the [Article still be assembledhttp://forums. It will be complete by 24 Octamahi. 2009, 23:59 Zulu-05org Amahi forums][[Category:00VPN]]
