VPN / remote access instructions

If you have a company laptop, you should have our VPN software installed already, it is called FortiClient VPN. You will need to save your username the first time you use it (just step 3 below).

 

You should also have a new shortcut to access the Macola servers if needed. You’ll just need to connect to the VPN first, and then the remote server if needed.
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If the VPN software or shortcut doesn't seem to be installed (no icons on desktop, or near clock), feel free to ask IT to install it, or feel free to install the VPN software via  https://links.fortinet.com/forticlient/win/vpnagent , you'll need to enter the settings shown below. 
 The Macola shortcut can be found here (or request it from IT): Remote-New.rdp

 

Connecting for the first time:

  1. Double click the FortiClient icon on your desktop or near the clock
  2. Before connecting for the first time, you must save your username. Click the menu and edit the connection:
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  3. Click on Save Login, and enter your username (first initial, last name, same as PC sign-in). Click save: 
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  4. You can now connect, and once connected, close the VPN window. After saving your username once, you can now just open the Forticlient and click Connect, no extra steps required. 
  5. Once connected, you should now be able to access department folders as well (network drives), please let us know if you need our help with this. This is a new feature to access the folders directly rather than needing to use a Macola server.

 

Connecting to Terminal (Macola) servers:
 If you’ve connected in an Ames office recently you should have an updated shortcut to use A picture containing text, computer, logo, symbolDescription automatically generatedIf not, or if you want to connect to a different host, or set the settings yourself to match below, right click your shortcut and choose Edit.


  1. With these settings adjusted, Save the connection via the general tab.
    Save As, and choosing Desktop will give you a desktop shortcut. 
     
     
     If there are other resources or services you would like to connect to remotely, or you need any assistance at all, please contact IT and we will be happy to help.