VPN WebAccess FAQs

Q: What is WebAccess?

WebAccess is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) portal that allows users to have access to internal resources from outside the institution.

Q: Do I need this and the current VPN?

WebAccess and VPN do the same thing. You can use either one, but not both, at the same time.

Q: How is this different from the current VPN?

With WebAccess, the user doesn't need to install anything on their computer. (If using WebAccess on a Windows-based machine, Information Security would run a HostChecker and a CacheCleaner.)

Q: What does the HostChecker check for?

HostChecker will check if your machine is running antivirus software and a personal firewall. A complete list of supported antivirus and firewall programs are provided below.

Supported antivirus and firewall for HostChecker

Q: What OS and browsers are supported?

See the compatibility lists provided below.

Supported OS and browsers for features table
Supported OS and browsers detailed document

Q: What ports do I need to open on my router/firewall?

SSL VPN uses TCP port 443 (also known as https) and uses UDP port 4500. If you don't have port 4500 open, you will still be connected via port 443, but your connection will be slower.

Q: On the login screen it asks for a passcode; what is that?

Your passcode is a combintation of your PIN and the number that shows up on your token. Please see the token FAQ for more details.

Q: It takes me 2-3 attempts before I can log in; how do I fix this?

More than likely your token is out of sync. Call 4-INFO (713-794-4636) and have them resync the token for you.

Q: What is the time out limit set to?

There is a 30 minute idle time out limit. If you’re running client-based applications like Lotus Notes, Microsoft Outlook, ClinicStation, etc. you should close the browser after logging in.

Q: How many attempts do I get before my account gets locked?

You get five failed login attempts before your token is disabled. If your token is disabled, call 4-INFO, and have them re-enable your token.

Q: What do I do if my AV or FW failed the check?

Call 4-INFO (713-794-4636), and provide them with the name on your products and their version numbers. You'll be contacted when it is fixed. If you need immediate access, the Limited Secuire WebAccess System provides access to limited Web access without bookmarks.

Q: How do I add Web sites to my bookmarks?

In the section called "Web Bookmarks," click on the "+" button. Here you can give your bookmark a name, description and the URL such as http://www.mdanderson.org. Fill out all blanks with an "*" symbol beside them.

Q: How do I connect to my Windows File Share?

In the section called "Files," click on the "+" button. Here it will show a list of domains that you can browse to find your share, or in the box underneath the icons, you can type in the share. For example, my share is on mdamachine.utmdacc.org, and the share is called "share". Type in "//mdamachine.utmdacc.org/share", then click on the browse button. After entering your username and password for the share, there will be an icon that allows you to bookmark that page. Once a page is bookmarked, you can go back to the home page and edit the bookmark to give it a name and description.

Q: How do I add a terminal service session to my bookmarks?

Refer to the Supported Operating Systems and Browsers to see if your operating system supports this feature. In the section called "Terminal Sessions," click on the "+" symbol. Here you'll choose Windows Terminal Services under the Session Type. Then, under the host, enter the computer name or IP address.

Q: How do I get to my Novell File Share?

You must have the Novell client installed. Verify that Network Connect is running (a little yellow lock will be in your system tray), and log into your Novell account by right-clicking on the Novell icon in your system tray and choosing login.

Q: How do I create a bookmark for terminal and SSH (Secure Shell) sessions?

Refer to the Supported OS and Browsers document to see if your OS supports this feature. In the section called "Terminal Sessions," click on the "+" symbol. Here you'll choose "SSH Secure Shell" under the Session Type. Then under the host, enter the computer name or IP address.

Q: What does "full client access" mean and how do I get it?

Full client access means your machine will get assigned an internal IP address and act as if it is on the M. D. Anderson network. This is useful to run applications like Clinic Station, Lotus Notes, Novell Share and other applications that don't require a browser. To do this, you must use Network Connect.

First, refer to the Supported Operating Systems and Browsers to see if your operating system and browser supports Network Connect. If it does, click on the "Client Apps" tab, then select "Start" on the right of Network Connect. Once you do this, the Network Connect will launch, and you'll be assigned an IP address. At this time, you can close your browser and launch any application.

Q: Can I get Network Connect access without launching it from the WebAccess site?

Yes, once you install Network Connect, find it on your system.

In Windows, click Start / Programs / Juniper / Network Connect / Network Connect
On Mac OS X, Network Connect is located in your applications folder

Q: If I launch Network Connect directly, will your system still run the Host Checker?

Yes, Network Connect will open a window and connect to the site to launch the HostChecker. This must be completed before you can log in.

Q: How do I get to my Web site that isn't bookmarked?

First, refer to the Supported operating systems and browsers to see if your operating system and browser supports basic browser access. If it does, then type the URL in the browser's address bar.

Q: Can I just close the browser to log off the system?

If you‘re in limited mode, this is OK. Otherwise you should right click on the yellow lock located at the left of the time/date on the "Start" bar, then click “Exit.”

Useful Information

Supported antivirus and firewall for HostChecker
Supported OS and browsers for features table
Supported OS and browsers detailed document (pdf)
Frequently asked questions on tokens