Home > Library Services > Computing > Frequently Asked Questions for Remote Access
Many of the web-based databases, electronic books and electronic journals provided by the Sheridan Libraries are limited to computers on the JHU campus network. The RAUL proxy and VPN client service allows JHU patrons to use almost any Internet Service Provider (highspeed or modem) to access materials licensed by the Sheridan Libraries. Remote access to Sheridan Libraries materials is limited to current Johns Hopkins University affiliates.
RAUL (Remote Access to University Libraries system) is the Johns Hopkins University proxy server. It allows you to have access to licensed materials from computers that are not directly connected to the JHU network. For more
information on what RAUL is, please visit the RAUL website's introductory pages at http://proxy.hcf.jhu.edu/about.html
You must be a student, staff or faculty member of Johns Hopkins University in the JHED System. If you have not yet created a JHED account, you must do so for access to RAUL.
You must have a JHED account first before configuring your browser for RAUL. To get assistance with this, see your departmental administrator. Most matriculated students and currently affiliated staff and faculty will already have a JHED account. In the event that you do not have one, your departmentadministrator will help guide you. Visit the RAUL Web site at http://proxy.hcf.jhu.edu/about.html for instructions on reconfiguring your browser.
Not all browsers are compliant with RAUL. Please see the RAUL website.
RAUL does not work with proprietary browsers, such as AOL's browser. Do not use the browser provided by your ISP, but instead log into it, minimize it and then open either IE or Netscape.
Yes, Johns Hopkins University offers JHSecure Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can get instructions for downloading and configuring the VPN client by logging into JHED and selecting the link "Download VPN Client Software." You'll then choose from the VPN client for the Homewood campus and the client for the East Baltimore campus.
If you choose to use RAUL, under Internet Options, LAN Settings, only the "Automatically detect settings" AND "Use automatic configuration script" boxes should be checked. All others in "Local Area Network (LAN) Settings" window should be unchecked. If you choose to use the VPN client, all boxes related to RAUL should be unchecked!
You can't use RAUL and VPN at the same time.
Your computer is fine. When you are finished doing your work, you need to disconnect your computer from either RAUL or VPN.
For RAUL users:
Using Internet Explorer, follow the same steps you follow when configuring your browser, except that you would uncheck the "Use automatic configuration script" box in the Local Area Network (LAN) Settings window, then click OK.
Using Netscape 4.x and 7.x, follow the same steps as in the set up, except you need to select the Direct connection to the Internet radio button at the top of the Advanced/Proxies window and then click OK.
For VPN users:
Requires that you simply close the client. Locate the icon in the Windows tray and double click on it. The JHSecure Connection Status window will pop up, click 'Disconnect'.
Occasionally, the problem may only exist on your computer because the browser has kept the bad connection in cache. Attempt to clear your cache and reload the page. This should fix the problem.
Using Netscape 4.x or 7.x, you need to click through from the Edit drop menu to Preferences, then select Advanced then click on Cache. Click on the Clear Cache button then click OK. Close the window by clicking on the X in the upper right hand of the window. Close Netscape, then reopen it. With proxy configuration in place, your browser should function appropriately.
Using Internet Explorer, you need to select Tools, then Internet Options. Under the General tab, locate Temporary Internet Files, then click Delete Files. For Internet files, click the OK button in the pop-up Delete Files window, then click OK in the Internet Options window. Close Internet Explorer by clicking on the X in the upper right hand corner of the browser window then reopen it. Your browser should function properly.
If you need further assistance or have any questions regarding any of the topics, please send email to the appropriate departments.
For help with JHED
For help with RAUL For help with accessing electronic resources, contact the the Eisenhower Library Information Desk at 410-516-8335 or electronically submit your question via Ask A Librarian.
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