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HALNet VPN

Open VPN For Mac

Click to Download HALNet Open VPN Installer for Mac
Click to Download HALNet Open VPN Installation Instructions for Mac

Open VPN For Windows

Click to Download HALNet Open VPN Executable File
Note that the Windows verion of OpenVPN will only run on Win 2000 or XP.

HALNet users can now have a remote access Virtual Private Network connection that affords them privacy and security when they are away from their home connection. Customers of HAL-PC’s Internet service who are also members of HAL-PC can download a free Windows client installer (approximately 1 MB in size) or Mac client installer (approximately 400k in size). This client will enable them to connect their laptops to the Internet SECURELY through non-secure sites such as wireless hot spots, Internet cafes, or hotel networks. Using this VPN "tunnel" the entire connection -- mail, account settings, and any transactions -- can be encrypted.

This service is only provided to subscribers
who are HAL-PC members!
Not a member of HAL? Join now!

The computer.howstuffworks.com website explains this concept very clearly. A VPN connection extends a trust relationship across a public network without sacrificing security. So users are assured of having confidentiality (a private connection), integrity (their transmissions are not altered), and authentication (identity of the user is verified).

The HALNet VPN installer loads client software that will set up a tunnel to the HALNet VPN server and ask for the user’s login ID and password. From that point onward, the traffic from the PC is encrypted and goes through HALNet.

Windows Installation

The opening screen of the setup wizard explains exactly what will happen during the installation.

HALNet VPN Welcome Screen

The next screen is the license agreement. You must click on I agree to continue.

License Agreement - click 'I Agree'

The default destination for the installation is “C:\Program Files\OpenVPN” so you can click “Install” or change the location at the next screen.

Choose the installation directory

During the installation process, the files are listed as they are extracted and installed.

The files are displayed as they are installed

When you reach the screen about Windows compatibility testing, please click “Continue Anyway” to complete the installation. It is simply an unsigned driver that will not harm your system.

Click 'Continue Anyway' to install the driver

The following dialog boxes indicate that the installation is complete

Installation complete

and you have an opportunity to view the Readme file. Click “finish” to close the wizard.

Check out the 'Readme' file

A small icon will appear in your System Tray (lower right of the Windows screen). The color of the icon indicates the status of your VPN connection.

Red is not in use, or not connected

Yellow is trying to connect

Green is connected

Right-clicking the system tray icon gives you a menu to choose the “connect” option

Pop-up menu

and then you’re prompted to authenticate, or enter your HALNet username and password, to complete the connection.

Enter your HALNet username and password here

When your connection is completed, a balloon will indicate the assigned IP address.

Once connected, you will have an assigned IP address

Right-clicking the system tray icon again will display the menu that offers the option to disconnect

Choose the disconnect option

You've read and heard about the dangers of transmitting information across an unsecured, public wireless network. This “virtual” IP-based network uses encryption and tunneling to protect HALNet customers when traveling and extend the range of secure connections for them away from home.

Click to Download HALNet Open VPN Executable File