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VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Instructions for Macintosh computers

VPN Client software runs on your off-campus computer. VPN allows you to access all our licensed resources as if you were using a campus computer. Some programs require VPN for off-campus use: ARTstor (Macintosh only), Luna Insight, MDL Crossfire Beilstein and Gmelin, SciFinder Scholar, the java client in UC Image Service, and the Connect function in EndNote. VPN will work with all web browsers and most types of Internet connection, except AOL.

Summary instructions

  1. Go to the campus Cisco VPN website.
  2. Download the VPN client for your Mac OS (for OSX 10.4, use the archived version).
  3. Refer to this page for detailed installation directions.
  4. Install it on your computer.
  5. Run VPN before using article databases, electronic journals, etc.
    Always choose the "Library VPN" option.
  6. Disconnect VPN when your session is finished.

Detailed instructions for Mac

These instructions have been tested on Macintosh OS 10.3.9, 10.4.5, 10.4.6, and 10.4.10
and may also work with other versions.
For more information, see the User Guide.
Instructions for Windows computers are also available.

Downloading the software

  1. Have your CalNet ID and passphrase ready.
  2. This software is best downloaded using Safari, Netscape/Mozilla, or Firefox, rather than Internet Explorer, because of the way these browsers handle "disk image" (.dmg) files.
  3. To download the software now, go to the campus Cisco VPN website.
  4. Select the version of the client that matches your Mac OS. For OSX 10.4, scroll down to the Archived Versions at the bottom of the page and download the archived version for Mac OSX 10.4.
  5. The download process may start the installer program automatically (see below).
    If not, it will place the cisco_vpn_4.x.0.dmg icon on your desktop:

    Screen image of first installer icon

  6. Double-click this icon to run the VPN installer program.

Installing the software

  1. The installer displays a window containing the Cisco VPN Client.mpkg icon:

    Screen image of second installer icon


  2. Double-click the icon.
    If you see this window, click Continue.
    If not, go to step 3.

    Screen image of first installer window


  3. You will see this window:

    Screen image of second installer window


  4. If you have the version specified (this example shows 10.4 or greater), click Continue.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of first license window


  5. Click Continue.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of second license window


  6. If you accept the license agreement, click Agree.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of destination window


  7. Click on the Macintosh HD icon, then click Continue.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of install window


  8. Click Install.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of authentication window


  9. In the Name box, enter your Macintosh administrator name.
  10. In the Password box, enter your Macintosh administrator password.
    (These are the same name and password used to install software updates).
  11. Click OK.
    Your computer will install the software,
    then you will see this window:

    Screen image of confirmation window


  12. Click Close.
    You should not have to repeat this process.


  13. You may now drag the cisco_vpn_4.9.0.dmg file
    and the cisco_vpn disk drive icon to the trash.

Using VPN

NOTE: You will need to run VPN each time you want to use article databases, electronic journals, or other licensed library resources on your off-campus computer.

  1. Locate the VPNclient file in the Applications folder on your Macintosh.
    NOTE: You can drag the icon to your Dock for easy access.


  2. Double-click on VPNClient
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of VPN profile selection window


  3. Select the connection entry Library VPN
    NOTE: To make this your default, click on "Connection Entries"
    in the VPN Client Menu Bar (top of screen), and select "Set as Default Connection Entry".

  4. Click on Connect.
    You will see this window:

    Screen image of VPN authentication window


  5. In the Username box, enter your CalNet ID.
  6. In the Password box, enter your passphrase.
  7. Click OK.
    When the process is finished, you will see this window:

    Screen image of VPN confirmation banner window


  8. Click Continue.
    You can now access any licensed library resources.

Disconnecting VPN

NOTE: While the VPN software is running on your computer, all your Internet traffic is routed through the UC Berkeley campus network. To reduce the load on the network, disconnect VPN when your session is finished. This will not break your Internet connection.

  1. Look for this window on your desktop.
    If you don't see it, click on VPN in your Dock.

    Screen image of VPN disconnect window

  2. Click on Disconnect.
    If your connection is idle for 3 hours, VPN will "time out" automatically.

Getting help: VPN software download and configuration problems

  • Students: Help with this product is available at the Student Computer Consulting Service.
  • Faculty and Staff: contact C@B Faculty and Staff Consulting (consult@cab.berkeley.edu; 510-642-8899; M-F 10am-3pm).

Getting help: Electronic resource access and availability questions

Getting help: VPN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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