Android, Linux VPN

[Yu Meng Chong]

----- "Michael Hipp" <Michael at hipp.com> wrote:

> I need to set up a VPN between my Android phone, a couple of Linux 
> servers and a couple of Windows boxes.
> 
> Android seems to favor PPTP, but I read it's not at all secure. is
> this 
> true? (If so, why does it seem to still be so popular?)
> 
> I might use OpenVPN, but the Windows client for it is just awful.


Hi Michael,

Actually, you don't need to use OpenVPN for Windows clients as they have
PPTP support built-in. You just need to use the Network Sharing applet 
in Vista/Win7 or the Network Connections applet for XP (I can't remember
the actual terms for the applets, but you'll find it, just by mousing 
around Control Panel) to set it up.

I think the reason why a lot of people say it is insecure is because of
the ease with which you can setup the connection on Windows - you only 
need to know a valid username and password, and Windows will guess the 
rest for you. For other VPNs, like Cisco or Sonicwall, you have to 
install client software and know several other settings in order to get
the VPN to work.

I heard that NetworkManager in Gnome can setup a PPTP connection, but 
the last time I tried, I couldn't get it working.

Regards,
pascal chong