Digital information resources are licensed by the Dartmouth College Library for affiliated users. Authentication of affiliated users is generally tied to your computer’s IP (network) address. Other authentication methods include username/password, PKI certificate, eTokens, Kerberos. or a combination (Web Authentication). Network security systems, firewalls, wireless networks, Internet service providers, and other local configurations can complicate matters considerably. For more information on authentication, review documentation maintained by Computing at Dartmouth. You can also consult with your information technology support personnel for additional assistance.

Many resources are only available to computers on the Dartmouth or DHMC computer networks. The remote system for the resource checks the "IP address" of your computer and lets you access resources if there is a match. If you are off campus and not dialing into the Dartmouth modem pool, you will not have an allowable IP address.

Another problem for off-campus users is that Kerberos/SideCar does not work well with many non-Dartmouth Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The best solution for off-campus users is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN); the College and DHMC VPNs provide users with IP addresses in the appropriate range and also allow Kerberos to work correctly. The VPN creates a secure network connection between your computer and the Dartmouth or DHMC network.

Dartmouth College's VPN is available for users in the Dartmouth.edu name directory. Complete instructions for installation and downloading of VPN software is available from Computing at Dartmouth; see Virtual Private Network (VPN) documentation. Consult your information technology department with questions or for assistance with installation.

DHMC's VPN is available for users in the Hitchcock.org name directory. Installation instructions may be found at https://mylogin.hitchcock.org/externalaccess/. Click on “How Do I…” and then select “Personal Computer” and “Biomedical Libraries Resources.” DHMC Computing requests that users apply all Windows Critical Updates and have updated virus definitions before using the VPN. DHMC’s VPN is available for Windows only, and Internet Explorer is the recommended browser. Contact DHMC's user support with questions; see section III below.

Printing to a locally-networked or wireless printer while connected to the VPN may not work; save the document to the desktop and print after you disconnect. Printers connected directly to the computer with Ethernet will probably work while you are connected to the VPN.

If you are located at another university, in a hospital, clinic, or private company, your institution may have made computer network configuration choices, including firewalls, that limit your access to information resources provided by the Dartmouth College Library. The VPN solution described above may work. If not, talk to your local technical support personnel.